stalbanslife

If you would like to enjoy something slightly differant next week, take a look at the following information on a local performance. This is by young people, for young people.

The Voice Within will be performed by Beaumont School and Marlborough College and explores the issues of bullying and other worries, through visual art, drama and dance. This project is being delivered by Living the Dream Performing  Arts Company and managed by St Albans District Council and Big Spend.

Melissa Canappelle says, “Groups have had the opportunity to work with Trestle masks, explore physicality, movement and characters and have thoroughly enjoyed it around the themes of bullying and dance pieces have been produced with participants already growing in confidence.  Some quotes have been recorded to make a soundtrack for a mask piece.  A dance piece has been created and participants have also have had a go at choreographing their own movements around the themes of bullying and growing stronger.”

This successful venture will be performed in Harpenden Public Halls on Friday 25th February at 8pm. More information from www.livingthedream.co.uk  or email Melissa.canappele@leisureconnection.co.uk  or Tel 01727827667

The Birthday of the Infanta is a special performance which takes place at the Trestle Arts Theatre, St Albans on 2 – 5th March.

“Adults and young people alike are invited by the Infanta, the Spanish princess, to her 12th birthday party. This is the only day of the year she is allowed to play with other children, but mixing with those not of her own rank comes at a price.” (Trestle Arts Theatre)

The story by Oscar Wilde, promises to take us on a journey through the constraints of social hierarchies to the price paid for love and performed by Georgina Roberts.

Tickets £5 contact www.trestle.org.uk or phone 01727 850950

Last year, an ambitious new opera came to St Albans, premiering in the Abbey, the opera told the little known story of Alban himself, the first English martyr. After a sell out run, Alban the Opera is travelling to London for four nights only in October this year before heading to the US in 2011. A community opera mixing top professionals with enthusiasts and amateurs, Alban was written deliberately to include a large adult chorus. There are still a few places available in the group chorus for the London performances – a fantastic chance to share the stage with the likes of top opera professionals Louise Mott and Philip Salmon in the beautiful environs of St Alban the Martyr in Holborn. The performances are from Wednesday 20th to Saturday 23rd October and the time commitment for rehearsals is very reasonable.
Hazel Ireson, producer of Alban, said: “This really is a once in a lifetime’s experience – it is such an exciting project working with professionals with the highest artistic standards. The choruses are a vital part of the fast moving story and we’re really looking forward to welcoming new singers to be part of this fantastic event.”
The opera tells the story of Alban, a doctor and family man, living in Roman occupied Verulamium (later St Albans) when, one night, he is interrupted by a knock on his door. The decision Alban makes that fateful night begins a chain reaction ending in the destruction of a man and the heartbreak of his family. The dramatic and fast moving story is told using intimate scenes of family life interspersed with great crowd choruses in market places and court rooms, with the audience joining in at the climax of the opera.
Those who are interested in taking part are invited to visit www.albanopera.org.uk, email Hazel directly on admin@albanopera.org.uk or phone 01582 832312

Alban is performed nightly at 7.30pm at St Alban the Martyr, Brooke Street, London EC1N 7RD from Wednesday 20 to Saturday 23 October.

Tickets cost £16 and £8 for children under 16 and can be booked over the telephone on 0844 412 4317 or online at www.albanopera.org.uk .

Tickets can also be purchased in person from the Peacock Theatre, WC2.

St Albans Festival 2010 has something very special to celebrate this year; the ‘The Magna Carta’!

Our city has played a central role in the drafting of this important document in 1215. This theme will be echoed in the Festival performances, museum activities and street events. The Rt. Hon.Lord Bingham and TV historian Dan Snow will be speaking and our own Mayor will lead the celebratory procession through the city centre.

Larks in the Parks, Buskers Week, Retailer of the Year Awards and entertainment in the Alban Arena are a few examples of the endless list of events planned for this festival. The Maltings Arts Theatre will feature the films of Stanley Kubrick, one of the most innovative film directors. Our local St Albans tour guides have organised the Sam Ryder Exhibition in the Comfort Hotel. I attended this exhibition last year and would highly recommend it. Get the diaries out and pencil in this years Festival!

Lots more information available on www.stalbansfestival.co.uk , BOX OFFICE 01727 844488 and www.stalbans.gov.uk.