2016 Press Releases
UCC takes rarely-performed ‘Pericles’ into new territory
The second ever performance of Shakespeare’s critically-neglected play Pericles, Prince of Tyre in Ireland, and the first in Munster, is set to take place in Cork, as part of a project led by a UCC lecturer.
Dr Edel Semple, Lecturer in Shakespeare Studies in UCC’s School of English is at the helm of the Celebrating Shakespeare 400: Performing Pericles, Prince of Tyre project, which comprises the staged reading at Cork’s Unitarian Church on November 14 at 6pm and a symposium exploring the play at UCC on November 15.
“Although unfamiliar to modern audiences, Pericles (c.1606) was hugely popular in Shakespeare’s day. The play is simply a great story that offers something for everyone – the adventures of a young prince, a brave heroine, shipwrecks, pirates, true love, magic! I’ve long been a fan of Pericles and I’m delighted that we can introduce the play to a new audience,” Dr Semple said.
Directed by Sinéad Dunphy, a UCC graduate and Festival Manager of the Cork International Choral Festival, the staged reading is a free but ticketed event.
The project involves actors from UCC’s Drama and Theatre Studies and the LittleShoes Productions drama group, as well as scholars from UCC, the UK, and USA.
Free and open to the public, the symposium exploring the play’s sources and critical and performance history and feature guest speakers Professor Peter Kirwan from the University of Nottingham and Dr M. W. Booth from Harvard University. Those interested in attending should e-mail e.semple@ucc.ie.
Funded by the Irish Research Council ‘New Foundations’ scheme, the project aims to inspire interest in Shakespeare’s lesser-known drama and deepen understanding of his work, the world he lived in, and his legacy.
The UCC-organised events are set to make a major contribution to the commemorative programme across the globe this year marking the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. The staged reading and symposium will introduce his drama to new audiences in Ireland and enhance public understanding of Shakespeare.