Why it matters: The masterclass gave students from Ipswich and Colchester the rare opportunity to learn from some of the country's most respected theatre professionals, whilst potentially being spotted for roles in the upcoming production.
The details: The Iphigenia Project, collectively comprising Neil Bartlett OBE (who has directed at the National Theatre), Joyce Henderson (who had roles in The Queen and About a Boy), Annabelle Arden (co-founder of Théâtre de Complicite) and Helen Chadwick (songwriter, singer and composer), visited the college on 27 December as part of their wider mission across Suffolk.
The group is looking to create a production of Iphigenia by Euripides and is visiting places across Suffolk to help kickstart their vision, whilst also spotting cast members.
Sizewell Creative funded the visit, giving learners from the college what was described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
What they're saying: Jazzy Abel, 17, from Ipswich, is on a performing arts level three course at Suffolk New College. She said: "It's been a lot of fun to work with acclaimed directors has been interesting. They created a space where we felt comfortable."
Blake Williams, 18, from Colchester, is on the same course as Jazzy. He said: "I found it very interesting. It's been a brilliant time. It has helped us as young performers."
Neil Bartlett OBE, a playwright and author who once read the entirety of Oscar Wilde's De Profundis in Reading Gaol – in eyeshot of the cell where Wilde was housed after being sent to prison for 'gross indecency' – said: "There are some really good people in this group, so who knows (where their futures will end up). The college seems really alive, and the students seem switched on. The atmosphere here is welcoming and respectful, and I would come back here in a shot."
Annabel Arden, a theatre director, said: "They have been a very good bunch and they have been incredibly important in helping our mission of creating this ambitious new work (of Iphigenia). If we see any local talent, they will potentially get in the play. In three days with these wonderful students, we realise that our vision to create this production is possible."
Kelly Fletcher, a performing arts lecturer at Suffolk New College, said: "This has given the students a different perspective and different techniques. It's a privilege to work with these super-talented creative practitioners. Big thanks to Sizewell Creative for supporting this project."
The bottom line: Local performing arts students gained invaluable experience working with theatre industry heavyweights, and some may even find themselves cast in the ambitious Greek tragedy production the practitioners are developing.
