Odyssey ’84 by Tim Price (Nye) is Sherman Theatre’s spectacular autumn production which tells the story of the 1984 miners’ strike through the eyes of a miner, turned NUM fundraiser, and his wife. Using the narrative framework of Homer’s Odyssey, John O’Donnell completes an epic adventure that takes him across the globe, whilst his wife Penny stays at home, supporting other families being squeezed by economic sanctions, completing her own journey to political awakening, and understanding the real value of community impact.
40 years on, the year-long struggle is still fresh in the minds of those who stood on the picket lines and fought to save not only their jobs, but the lifestyles and communities they prized, which were inextricably linked to the industry in which they worked.
Book to see the show this autumn between October 16 and 26, and take part in one of our ‘Discover, Consider, Create’ workshops, at the theatre, prior to a performance. Workshops cater for 15 to 30 learners, in Year 10 and above and will last for 90 minutes.
There is a choice of three workshops available, all of which use creative approaches to explore topics in greater depth.
Option 1 – Art and Protest.
Linking to several curriculum subjects including Art, Drama, English, Media Studies, History and Government and Politics, this workshop will look at how art has been an integral tool in political protest over centuries. This workshop can be tailored for a visual arts, poetry, or performing arts focus.
Discover the characteristics, impact and history of Protest Art.
Consider how Protest Art featured in the miners’ strike.
Create your own piece of Protest Art about something that matters to you.
Option 2 – Media and the Miners
Linking to several curriculum subjects including English, Media Studies, History and Government and Politics, this workshop will look at the role of the media in covering the strike and how reporting impacted public sympathy for the miners, or support for the government.
Discover more about the media’s coverage during the miners’ strike and the role it played in manipulating public opinion.
Consider the impact that social media would have had on events, had they happened today, looking at the strike in relation to contemporary political movements.
Create your own news reports of key events from the strike.
Option 3 – Epic Storytelling
Linking to several curriculum subjects including English, Drama, Classics and History, this workshop will explore the features of Epic storytelling and why it is an effective form, across literature, poetry and drama.
Discover more about the characteristics of Epic storytelling.
Consider the impact of using epic devices to elevate contemporary stories, through the context of Odyssey ‘84.
Create your own piece of Epic storytelling.
Tickets
Schools can purchase tickets to see Odyssey ‘84 for £8 – £14.50 per pupil (half the standard price), with workshop and performance package tickets priced at just £16 per pupil. We also offer one free teacher ticket with every 10 pupils. Bookings can be made through our Box Office on 029 20 686900. For more information regarding your trip to Sherman Theatre, please visit here.
Go and See
A visit to see Odyssey ’84 may be eligible for support from Arts Council Wales’ Go and See Fund. The Go and See Fund offers grants up to a £1000 to enable teachers in state-maintained schools in Wales to take learners to see high-quality art in venues across Wales. All information you need to apply can be found on our Odyssey ’84 – Go and See help page.
Streic! 1984-1985 Strike!
You might also consider combining a trip to Sherman Theatre with a visit to see Amgueddfa Cymru’s exhibition Streic! 1984-1985 Strike! at National Museum Cardiff this autumn.