Shakespeare comes to Salford: the RSC tackles #MeToo and gender discrimination in new season at The Lowry

Shakespeare is without doubt one of the greatest Britons who ever lived: a true literary genius.

You could be forgiven for thinking the world he lived in and wrote about – 16th century England – is a million miles from ours..

But The Royal Shakespeare Company is proving he still has something to say to us today.

The RSC’s critically acclaimed new season at The Lowry brings the Bard’s work firmly into the 21st century, with three bold productions exploring the modern power imbalances of #MeToo and gender discrimination – and attitudes to cross-dressing, homoeroticism and exile.

With a 50/50 gender balanced company of actors which reflects the ethnic, geographical and cultural diversity of Britain today, the RSC is also aiming to represent modern Britain in all its diversity.

This is a rare opportunity to see Shakespeare performed in Salford by the RSC. Don’t miss it. And if you’re under 26, there’s really no excuse not to, because tickets are ridiculously cheap – just £10 for each play. Incredible but true.

The Taming of the Shrew

Imagine a world in which women hold all the power. This production of The Taming of the Shrew flips the play on its head and puts women in charge in an explosive battle of the sexes. It’s set in a parallel Elizabethan universe in which women hold all the power. The roles which are usually female become male characters and are played by men. The roles which are usually male are now female and are played by women.

This electrically charged love story raises important questions about gender and power. If you enjoyed Naomi Alderman’s The Power, you’ll love this fresh take on Shakespeare’s fierce comedy of gender politics.

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Measure for Measure

The Duke of Vienna goes missing. His corrupt deputy asks a young nun to have sex with him to save her brother from execution. When she threatens to expose him, he tells her that no one would believe her.

Sound familiar?

The #MeToo movement has brought widespread reports of sexual assault, harassment and historic abuses of power to light. Measure for Measure shows that this was going on in the early 1600s. The Guardian called this production ‘A perfectly judged portrait of public hypocrisy and seething sexuality.’ Find out why.

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As You Like It

The normal rules of life often don’t apply at festivals. In the Forest of Arden, the characters are free to explore new ways of living as traditional barriers are broken down.  Gender roles, nature and politics are broken down – as are the traditional rules of romance.

This adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy features a cross-dressing heroine and a typical Shakespearean fool, and explores themes of homoeroticism, exile and artifice in a flamboyant festival setting.

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You can save 20% by booking 2 shows for just £53.50. Save over 35% by booking for 3 shows for just £63.50. Packages can be booked online, in person or over the phone via the The Lowry Box Office on 0843 208 6010.

And don’t forget tickets for all RSC shows are just £10 through the under 26 scheme. Find out more here.

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s autumn season at The Lowry runs from 25th September and to October 5th.