It's all Greek in local school halls with Bacchae

Young people across the area will have the opportunity to watch a new version of the National Theatre’s production of ancient Greek tragedy The Bacchae in their school halls as part of the National's UK schools tour.

With Salford's Lowry, the tour will visit Wardle Academy in Rochdale, Fred Longworth High School in Tyldesley, Byrchall High School in Wigan and Bedford High School in Leigh from November 16-21.

Following Bacchae's debut at the National last year, writer Nima Taleghani, with director Hannah Hauer-King, has created an adapted version in an interpretation using rhythm, movement and music.

Nima said, "I wanted to make something that me and my friends from school would have enjoyed then and would still enjoy now; something we would find challenging and tough and tricky then and that we would find challenging now - but in a totally different way."

Hannah added, "Nima's adaptation gives particular focus to the desire of everyone, even a God, to feel like they belong.

"It feels like the perfect show to take into schools; not only speaking about issues that impact young people today, but also through a classic text that might otherwise seem not for them."

As well as seeing the show at their school, students will take part in workshops, explore stage design and other skills.

Alumni from the NT’s Introduction to Stage Management and Young Technicians initiatives will take placements to support the tour, putting into practice the technical skills they have learned through the programmes.

The production will be seen by around 7,000 schools students from over 60 schools and colleges.

:: Alongside the schools performances, the Lowry will host the only public performances of the tour, on November 20-21.

More info and tickets here