In South Africa, as around the world, the necessary measures taken to limit the spread of COVID-19 have hit artists hard - performing artists in particular. At Shakespeare ZA, we’d like to do our bit to keep the arts economy going by promoting theatre makers and helping to provide some financial support. So we are pleased to announce:
#lockdownshakespeare
How does it work?
Actors, we invite you to record yourself performing a monologue from a Shakespeare play of your choice (between 90 seconds and 3 minutes in length). Or maybe a sonnet? It can take any form and can be in any language!
Post it on the social media platforms you use, with the hashtag #lockdownshakespeare (don’t forget to tag Shakespeare ZA on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram). Then …
Email us on lockdownshakespeare@gmail.com so that we can follow up with you. We’ll set up a file-sharing option, ask you to tell us a bit more about your performance choices and ensure that …
The videos are added to Shakespeare ZA’s resources pages for other theatre makers, teachers, learners and members of the public to enjoy!
What about the money?
The Shakespeare Society of Southern Africa (SSoSA) has established a small fund to kick-start this initiative, committing to paying 20 actors R1000 each for their recorded performances and for a short explanatory text or accompanying video.
We are also pleased to announce that Shakespeare ZA readers and viewers can donate via BUSQR. If you’re able to contribute to the campaign, please do!
(Actors who are in the fortunate position of being externally funded or whose employment hasn’t been affected by the Coronavirus outbreak are encouraged to contribute their videos pro bono so that more people can benefit! If so, please let us know when you send us your email.)
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get those monologues memorised and those cameras rolling!