ANTONY And Cleopatra director Janet Suzman took part in a Q&A session at Liverpool University last night to launch a new partnership between the organisation and the Everyman and Playhouse, writes Laura Davis, Arts Editor.

The project will focus on the works of Shakespeare, with the university’s School of English working closely with the two theatres.

Lasting 12 months, it will feature workshops with Ms Suzman and youth theatre director Chris Meads.

Everyman and Playhouse professionals will share their expertise in performance, providing an insight into the creative processes involved in bringing a piece of theatre from the page to the stage.

First-year English students will be given the opportunity to enrol on placement and volunteering programmes at the theatres, in schools, and in Shakespeare In The Community projects serving under-privileged groups in the region.

Gemma Bodinetz, Everyman and Playhouse artistic director, said: “It is hoped that marrying the academic expertise of the university with our practical experience of Shakespeare in performance will prove an invaluable cocktail to both parties.

“Actors and directors of the calibre of Janet Suzman will be able to lift the text from the page to the stage, while we at the theatre will be in an ongoing and essential dialogue with tutors and students about what they require from a 21st-century theatre producing Shakespeare in new and exciting ways.”