Join a two-day event exploring speeches that change opinions and stir up the spirit of the times. Meet at Highbury Mansion to dive and delve over the course of 2 days into the language and ideas in stirring speeches from Shakespeare, Chamberlain and George Dawson – as well as exploring the power of speeches in today’s world, such as Greta Thunberg on the future of the planet and Malala Yousafzai on girls’ education.
The theme of our Speeches That Stir The Spirit workshops is Challenging Authority and the fight for power. We will look at loads of examples where people have spoken up for marginalised groups, fought for power and stood up to authority!
Our two day course at Highbury Speeches That Stir The Spirit on 24th and 25th August will cover loads of different areas;
Understanding the background and context to iconic speeches,
why speeches are successful,
what power they have over the audience,
how to use our voice for change,
Analysis of the text of speeches to understand every word,
Tips for great vocal performance
We will also have
a tour of Highbury and learn more about the Chamberlain family,
footage of a range if speeches and think about their impact
a visit from Everything to Everybody tour director to give us the background on the First Folio, The Shakespeare Memorial Library and Shakespeares global success.
Arts workshops focusing on nature references in speeches in Shakespeare plays.
We will prepare a performance on the 18th September when Library of Birmingham’ss First Folio of Shakespeare’s plays comes to Highbury.
Highbury is a beautiful, bold, building and creates an amazing backdrop to performance.
The cost for the course is £30 (discounts avalible on request)
No previous experience necessary,
Suitable for people aged 11 and up including adults, there will be group discussion and performance, we would like as many people as possible to be available all day on 18th September 10am-4.30pm.
George Dawson, founder of Birmingham’s Shakespeare Memorial Library, was a persuasive preacher who inspired Joseph Chamberlain ‘s political ideas and renowned skills as an orator. These workshops will be practical and involve performing, drama, text analysis and creating visual arts. Chiefly focusing on speeches made to crowds and that caused a stir! No previous knowledge or experience necessary, just a willingness to get join in and try out the power of your own voice. The workshops will lead to a community performance at Highbury on the day that Shakespeare’s First Folio visits us in September 2022.
Chamberlain Highbury Trust is part of the ‘Everything to Everybody’ Project – a three-year celebration of one of the UK’s most important cultural assets: the vast Shakespeare Memorial Library housed within the Library of Birmingham. ‘Everything to Everybody’ will give the city ’s Shakespeare heritage back to the people and explore its modern relevance.
A collaboration between the University of Birmingham and Birmingham City Council with contributions from our Chamberlain Highbury Trust tea, National Lottery Heritage Fund and History West Midlands.
Booking Opens July 1st – limited spaces available
https://chamberlainhighburytrust.co.uk/speeches-that-stir-the-spirit/
‘A library may be regarded as the solemn chamber in which a man may take counsel with all who have been wise, and great, and good, and glorious among the men that have gone before him.’ George Dawson
