‘All the world‘s a stage, and all the men and women merely players’. Players, thespians and enthusiasts are Lizzie and Doug, the pair behind ReShake, whose aim is to produce innovative versions of Shakespeare and other classic plays at the marvellous St Mary’s Art Centre here in Sandwich. Engaging with the community and “giving actors and backstage crew somewhere to go to practice their art” is of the highest importance to them.
So, Lizzie and Doug, firstly great name ‘ReShake’. Why it is important to adapt Shakespeare to help it find new audiences?
Thanks, we discussed this for a while! We think that it is important to keep things fresh and vibrant, not just for new audiences but for everybody. It is equally important for the performers and theatre practitioners to keep things fresh because this how we remain inspired. We knew we wanted to focus primarily on Shakespeare and we wanted to make sure we had our own creative ideas and perspective so ReShake seemed fitting!
Access to arts are so important to communities such as Sandwich, aren’t they?
I would say it is more than important, it is absolutely vital. Especially for such a historical and vibrant place as Sandwich! It is also vital for communities so far outside of the main cities to have as much arts access as possible because it is not an easy thing to find in smaller towns and villages. This is what ReShake prides itself on, and the great thing is that we can provide it not only to Sandwich but all other surrounding towns and smaller villages and areas who would not normally have this available to them. We see it as our privilege and responsibility to provide this access and we can do it. It is essential that there is access to arts because arts and creativity is what has driven human development though out history.
Since you started the company in 2018 what would you say are the highlights?
Our first two productions of Macbeth and Marlowe’s Women were the stand out so far, as was how well they were received. But additionally was being awarded a grant from the Sandwich Toll Bridge Fund, which we used to supply free community master classes, delivered by expert theatre and arts practitioners.
Is there anything you would like to say to our readers and the community?
We would first like to say thank you to Siobhan and St Mary’s Arts Centre for their continued support. We would not be able to do it without them! But also the community at large who back us so wonderfully. We ARE Sandwich’s very own Theatre Company and are very proud of that.
We would ask that people please follow us on our Facebook page, search ReShake Theatre, and also contact us if they have anything they think we could be of use for, if they have something they’d like to see us do or even if they want to be somehow involved. We are always interested to hear from interested parties.
@ReShaketheatre