15.05.08

Dear teacher

Barabas is coming...

This autumn Hall for Cornwall is staging Barabas, a version of ChristopherMarlowe's The Jew of Malta. It will be performed by a Cornish, national and international cast and is directed by HfC's Head of Projects Anna Coombs. The production runs from 26th September – 4th October. It is the first large-scale revival for nearly a decade of Marlowe’s controversial play.

The play is a dark comedy full of surprises. It is a fantastic opportunity to see a classic text and an exciting piece of drama. Barabas, the richest man in Malta, loses it all and through tricks and deceit attempts to restore his wealth. The Jew of Malta is available from most bookshops and online. The play is ideal for A-Level and AS Level students studying Drama and/or English Literature, particularly those working on Doctor Faustus. It is also suitable for GCSE students. Please note, however, that there are scenes of violence.

At the moment Anna is busy casting, but is making sure that she keeps everyone up to date on her progress in her Director's blog, at

Alongside the main stage production, we will be offering educational activities and support for teachers; with thanks to our education sponsors Truro and PenwithCollege.

  • Masterclass workshops with the Director – these are limited and cost £100 for a 2 hour session. There are 20 places available in each session (this can include pupils from several schools/colleges coming together).
  • A Review Writing INSET day, which links to the exam syllabus. The day will be led by HeatherNeill, a freelance journalist who for some years was Arts Editor of The Times Educational Supplement. The INSET is scheduled for Friday 3rdOctober, 10am – 1.30pm with a buffet lunch included. Places are limited and cost £20 each. If you are planning to attend this workshop, it would be beneficial to get your students to come and see Barabas beforehand and write a review of the show. We are currently confirming our media partner for the production, so there is also a possibility that some of the reviews may appear in print.
  • During the week following Barabas, there will be a full day INSET focusing on Marlowe, which links to The Jew of Malta, Marlowe and Dr Faustus. The day will be led by NatashaBuckley, a Senior Practitioner in the TR2 Education Department at Plymouth Theatre Royal; with previous experience as a senior lecturer in Drama and working at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester. Places cost £30 including a buffet lunch.
  • We will also be hosting a “Careers in Theatre” Open Day on Tuesday 14th October from 11am to 3pm. This will give A Level students, BTEC students and teachers an insight into the performing arts industry and will include short backstage tours, a discussion on pathways into the arts and talks from industry professionals, along with an interactive/practical session. Places cost £2 each but are strictly limited so please book promptly. Lunch can be ordered in advance, or restaurant bookings made via Hall for Cornwall’s Catering Department. Phone Stage Door on 01872 262465 and choose option 3.

Please complete the enclosed form marking all the activities you are interested in. For further information, please contact me by telephone 01872 321970 or e-mail .

Places for the INSET days and the Open day will go on sale on Monday 7thJuly through our Box Office on 01872 262466 and online - To book one of the masterclasses please contact me.

Barabas will run from Friday 26th September until Saturday 4th October, every night (except Sunday) at 8pm. Matinees are on Thursday 2nd October at 1pm and Saturday 4th October at 2.30pm. Schools tickets are available for £6 each. There will be post show talks after the Tuesday evening performance and the Thursday matinee.

We are offering bi-monthly updates for teachers/students to follow the progress of the production, including breaking casting news, design updates, and the musical direction. To be kept in the loop simply return the enclosed slip with your e-mail address, or e-mail it straight to .

We look forward to seeing you at Hall for Cornwall soon.

Yours sincerely

FrancesMacadam

Projects Administrator

01872 321970/

…bringing theatre to life!

N.B. An 85p Theatre Fund Payment is added to each ticket sold.