OLi-Shakespeare: Not the usual workshop
Most of our effort at OLi-works is dedicated to aiding others build capacity for innovation, science, technology and health, in the context of global markets. We have developed on-line, interactive (OLi) workshops and virtual communities around topics of high significance in public policy and international affairs, and as listed on our Workshops page.
However we have one light-hearted OLi workshop to provide balance in an otherwise heaving world. Some among us have previous theatrical training so we decided to launch a community of STEAM theatrical practice, called “OLi Shakespeare”. We are writing and rehearsing adaptations of Shakespeare’s comedies to incorporate terminology and concepts from science and technology, economics and international affairs. (Details – Workshops page).
STEAM refers to the acronym “Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics”, and is a revision of the post WWII notion of STEM in S&T policy and education fields. The cultural adoption of STEAM is a work-in-progress but it suits our purposes right now.
The objectives of this OLi Shakespeare workshop series are:
- improved public speaking,
- English improvement,
- science communication, and
- appreciation of theatre and networking.
Participants meet other attendees and observe our demo; an animated slide show achieved after a few rehearsals. Then, based on the scripts we provide through screen share, participants try voice acting themselves. Our OLi-Shakespeare workshop is also an ideal way to make friends all around the world in a safe setting, without the need to leave home.
View of a dramatist
Emerging writer and screenwriter Allison St.Clair – Wong Wai of Trinidad has read one of our scripts called “Remotely Shakespeare” and has this to say:
“I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Remotely Shakespeare’ with all its wit and charm. The blatantly honest character assassination and jousts among the members in the group are delightful. The appropriate title is played to a hilt as is the playful pseudonym. It epitomizes the theme ‘Art is exploration’ and I long to see more of these characters as they continue to interface with each other in more episodes. The fact that there are varying accents compliments the theme of being locked down in a pandemic and creates added interest to the already intriguing characters. I wouldn’t want to lose them. I will go back to ‘the Three Wise Wives’ for a review but at the moment I wouldn’t change anything in ‘Remotely Shakespeare.’ ”
With a university background in Social Sciences and Theatre Arts, Ms. Wong Wai explores a creative writing form she names “Reformative Writing”, where fiction meets societal issues and offers change. She is a former journalist, teacher and stage manager. Ms. Wong Wai resides in her countryside home in Trinidad and enjoys reading, designing spaces and watching a gamut of movies. Taking up her electronic pen, writing is her new passion, with a book on Amazon that can be found here.
Dramatis Personae
You are invited to tune in and perform any one of the characters featured below, or if there is a line-up, you can join the audience, and see how others fare.
Looks can be d
eceiving. The simple dress of our characters adorns more personality than at first appears.
From the top left, clockwise, may we introduce you to: Marta, Chloë, Irwin, Ramon and Dennis. Contact us when you’re ready to take the leap into voice acting and other forms of creative production.
When? How much?
Currently offered:
❖ Wednesdays and Fridays, 17h00 PT, 20h00 ET
❖ At a negotiated time with clients. We can accommodate CET timing. See the World Clock for your planning.
Price and scheme: One drop-in free, after that CAD$10/person, per workshop, or a bundle of 5 workshops for $25/person. No need to come every consecutive week though. You can come when you’re inclined until your five sessions are over. Gift cards are available. See the details or contact us.