Emergency Shakespeare

 

Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet – and many other best loved characters – are set to get some modern-day first aid attention, in a unique theatre experience featuring St John Ambulance.

Unusual and educational open air performance

The National Theatre and actors from 1623 theatre company have teamed up with the St John Ambulance London (Prince of Wales's) District to stage an unusual and educational open air performance as part of the Alternative Village Fete this August.

Tagged 'Emergency Shakespeare!' the special theatrical project will run on Saturday 28^th and Sunday 29^th August and will see a variety of Shakespearean scenarios played out with real-life first aid responses.

The 'emergencies' captured in the performance include:

• Leontes' Panic Attack from The Winter's Tale
• Ophelia's Drowning from Hamlet
• Romeo and Juliet's Multiple Emergencies
• Othello's Epileptic Seizure

St John Ambulance had been working closely with the acting team to devise the performances, and six members from within London are set to be involved with the on-stage drama.

A novel idea

Ann Cable, Commissioner for St John Ambulance London (Prince of Wales’s) District, said: “This idea is such a novel one, and a really great way of reaching the public in an informative and engaging way.

“For us, it provides an opportunity to capture in a light-hearted and easily understood manner the types of first aid which we are called upon to deal with.

“St John Ambulance really makes the Difference to so many people’s lives, through the care and education we provide – so if one or two members of the audience go away knowing a little more, or being inspired to take a first aid course, then that's a great outcome for us.”