Not True, But Useful... A Cheek by Jowl Podcast

'The whole point of making art is that you’re sharing something with somebody that cannot be put into words.’ This week, Declan, Nick and Lucie deep dive into The Changeling, a bloody Jacobean tragedy filled with lunatics, ghosts, horror, sex and obsession. They discuss the making of their 2006 production (starring Tom Hiddleston and Olivia Williams), using the rehearsal space as the inspiration for the design, the worlds of the madhouse and the court, and the running theme of self-delusion in the great classic plays. More information about Cheek by Jowl's production of The Changeling here (www.cheekbyjowl.com/productions/the-changeling)The music in this episode was composed by Paddy Cunneen for The Winter’s Tale (2016-17)The additional music used in this episode was composed by Catherine Jayes for The Changeling (2006)The transcript of this episode is available upon request. Please contact info@cheekbyjowl.com to request a link.

How does theatre make us less alone? What is the role that the audience has to play in the act of art? What does Shakespeare have to teach us about humanity and forgiveness? Declan and Nick join Lucie to discuss The Tempest, a play in which Shakespeare juggles magic, laughter, danger and love with all the flair and freedom of his maturity.More information about Cheek by Jowl's production of The Tempest here: (https://www.cheekbyjowl.com/productions/the-tempest/)Series 2 theme music composed by Paddy Cunneen for The Winter's Tale (2016-17)The additional music used in this episode was composed by Dmitry Volkov for The Tempest (2011-14)The transcript of this episode is available upon request. Please contact info@cheekbyjowl.com to request a link.

"If it's not painful, it ain't love!"This week, Declan and Nick talk about Shakespeare's As You Like It, paying special attention to their landmark 1991 production starring Adrian Lester as Rosalind. They also discuss the perils of believing in a 'fixed' self, reserving one's judgement, and the travails of young love.More information about Cheek by Jowl's production of As You Like It here: (https://www.cheekbyjowl.com/productions/as-you-like-it/)Series 2 theme music composed by Paddy Cunneen for The Winter's Tale (2016-17)The additional music used in this episode was composed by Paddy Cunneen for As You Like It (1991-95)The transcript of this episode is available upon request. Please contact info@cheekbyjowl.com to request a link.

Blood, sex, tyranny, and sausages! Declan and Nick join Lucie to discuss Ubu Roi, Alfred Jarry's gruesome and raucous 1896 satire.More information about Cheek by Jowl's production of Ubu Roi here: (https://www.cheekbyjowl.com/productions/ubu-roi/)Series 2 theme music composed by Paddy Cunneen for The Winter's Tale (2016-17)The additional music used in this episode was composed by Davy Sladek for Ubu Roi (2013-15)The transcript of this episode is available upon request. Please contact info@cheekbyjowl.com to request a link.

Tis Pity She's a Whore is a vivid and violent Jacobean tragedy about a brother and sister’s passionate descent into hell. It is also the first production Declan and Nick ever worked on together before forming Cheek by Jowl, mounting the production again in 2011. They talk about their first (and last) design meeting around a kitchen table, our enduring interest in grisly stories, and the agency of the play's female characters.More information about Cheek by Jowl's production of Tis Pity She's A Whore here (https://www.cheekbyjowl.com/productions/tis-pity-shes-a-whore/)Series 2 theme music composed by Paddy Cunneen for The Winter's Tale (2016-17)The additional music used in this episode was composed by Nick Powell for Tis Pity She's A Whore (2011)The transcript of this episode is available upon request. Please contact info@cheekbyjowl.com to request a link.

Declan and Nick discuss Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, a play in which unity of time, place and action are hurled aside as we range across Europe, from court to country, from high tragedy to low comedy, across a time span of sixteen years. They discuss their shifting ideas when directing the play, the central character around whom the play hinges, the mystery in Hermione’s final scene, as well as sage words of advice to auditioning actors: 'go and touch something!' More information about Cheek by Jowl's production of The Winter's Tale here (www.cheekbyjowl.com/productions/the-winters-tale) and you can watch the full show by signing up to our Education Pack (https://www.cheekbyjowl.com/learning/education-packs/) The music in this episode was composed  by Paddy Cunneen for The Winter's Tale (2016-17).The transcript of this episode is available upon request. Please contact info@cheekbyjowl.com to request a link.

Cheek by Jowl are back with a new series of 'Not True, But Useful...' as Declan Donnellan, Nick Ormerod and host Lucie Dawkins bring fresh insights on theatre, life and what the classics can tell us about how we live now. Like and subscribe to get the latest episodes as they're released in November!Trailer music by Paddy Cunneen, originally composed for Cheek by Jowl's 2016-17 production of The Winter's Tale.www.cheekbyjowl.com/podcast/

Declan Donnellan, a renowned theater director, dives into the fascinating intersection of life and art. He discusses the genius of Caravaggio and the mysteries of Racine. The conversation unpacks the importance of embracing ambiguity in both theater and life, especially in understanding classics like Macbeth. Donnellan emphasizes the art of performance, sharing insights on conveying classical verse authentically, and the challenge of embodying characters. His anecdotes reveal how preserving mystery in art enriches the experience, making for a thought-provoking dialogue.

The podcast dives into the ever-evolving nature of character in theatre, exploring how actors embody dynamic roles rather than static ones. It highlights the importance of self-reflection and adaptability in portraying complex human experiences. The discussion also examines the intense internal conflict of Macbeth, focusing on themes of guilt and emotional turmoil. Additionally, the influences of literary giants like Beckett and Joyce on directing strategies are explored, showcasing the deep connections between writing and performance.

Declan and Nick dive into the human predicament and its relation to theatre. They touch on fascinating themes from Shakespeare to modern tales, exploring how characters confront their identities and feelings. The discussion highlights emotional stakes through classic conflicts, revealing how despair and hope shape narratives. They also analyze Macbeth's soliloquy, uncovering the dark complexities of humanity. With references to everything from cheese trolleys on the Titanic to cats, the conversation is a witty exploration of art's power to reflect life.