THE RED ROOM MASTERCLASSES: A series of Spring Masterclasses for writers and theatre-makers curated by the Red Room in association with Soho Theatre.

Over the last decade the Red Room has been producing groundbreaking new work from some of the country’s most provocative writers for theatre. In this post 9/11 world, political theatre seems to have had a rebirth: but what does and can political mean? The Red Room aims to free the imagination of it's audiences to challenge the status quo - but what are the diverse ways in which we as playwrights and theatre-makers create this kind of dialogue? In this series of master-classes and workshops we seek to uncover some of these processes through the practise and experience of artists who have worked with the Red Room over the last ten years.

To book tickets contact Soho Theatre Box Office: 0870 429 6883 Please note that places are limited on all these events, so early booking is advisable.

18th March: Anthony Neilson

One of the most original theatre-makers of his generation, Anthony Neilson’s work with the Red Room includes the award winning, The Censor, Stitching and the oft produced The Night Before Christmas. In a day-long master class, Neilson offers insight into his working processes, developing a short play with two actors.

Date: Saturday 18th March 2006
Time: 10.30am – 4.30pm
Place: Studio, Soho Theatre
Tickets: £30/ £15 concessions

20th March 2006: Rob Young: I Have Issues

“Politics is Hollywood for the ugly people” When war gets second billing to a celebrity makeover, how is political theatre to survive? By getting a makeover. A crash-course in personalising the political, squeezing it into a leotard and making it purr. A Trojan horse of a workshop on how to defeat the enemy from within. How Darth Vader’s Death Star was defeated by a small chrome dustbin. And how to give your play three rows of teeth, then cover it up, with lipstick.

Date: Monday 20th March 2006
Time: 6.30pm – 9.30pm,
Place: Seminar Room, Soho Theatre
Cost: £20/ £10 concessions (there are only 15 places available on this workshop, so please book early to avoid disappointment)

25th March: Drew Pautz: Writing With Your Feet

Writing collaboratively with other writers and theatre makers is a dynamic and exciting process and is, in itself, a political act. In this daylong
session, playwright, Drew Pautz, introduces a three dimensional approach to writing which takes you out of your head, out of your garret, and up onto your feet. Starting with character and theme, Drew will demonstrate how collaborators can create scenarios and work together to shape them into scenes, finally resulting in a very fast skeleton of a play -- with a surprising amount of flesh on it.

Date: Saturday 25th March 2006
Time: 10.30am – 4.30pm
Place: Studio, Soho Theatre
Tickets: £30/ £15 concessions

8th April: Jennifer Farmer: Handle with Care: Writing with and for Vulnerable Groups

Theatre is often the forum in which the voices of the marginalized are heard. But when using people’s personal stories, do writers have a
responsibility to tread carefully? To whom, if anyone, are we accountable? Handle With Care explores the challenges and moral dilemmas that arise for writers working with personal and sensitive material and offers practical ways in which a balance can be struck between artistry, truth and responsibility. Playwright Jennifer Farmer has written for and with women in prison, children at risk and refugee groups. Her acclaimed play, COMPACT FAILURE, was written as part of a residency at HMP Send for Clean Break.

Date: Saturday 8th April 2005
Time: 1.30pm – 4.30pm
Place: Seminar Room, Soho Theatre
Tickets: £20/ £10 concessions

More workshops to come (details to follow):

6th May: Lisa Goldman

Soho Theatre is fully accessible, if you have any access needs please advise the box office when booking and/ or contact the Red Room as soon as possible.

To book tickets contact Soho Theatre Box Office: 0870 429 6883 Please note that places are limited on all these events, so early booking is advisable.

For any other information contact The Red Room: E:info@theredroom.org.uk W:www.theredroom.org.uk T: 020 7697 8685