'Not About Heroes' Help Mark the First World War 100th Anniversary

A few weeks ago the Friends of the University ran an event to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War and its impact on Reading and the University. Not About Heroes director, Steph Dewar works at the university and suggested that they include some extracts of the play.



Gareth Saunders playing Siegfried Sassoon at the University Heritage day (photo S. Dewar) 

Not About Heroes dramatises the true story of the relationship between the poets Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon. Owen studied botany at Reading University while working as the Vicar's assistant in nearby Dunsden  so performing extracts at the heritage event was particularly relevant.



Owen Goode who plays Wilfred Owen displaying his 'medal' during a break in rehearsals (photo S. Dewar)
 

Steph and the actors enjoyed their day at the university and discovered more background about Wilfred Owen and his time in Reading. Although he studied botany he was also urged by the head of the English department to take some English classes. Clearly someone who was able to spot talent.

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Auditions for Darwin & Fitzroy by Juliet Ackroyd Wednesday 14th May 7.30pm or Sunday 18th May 2014  4.30pm at Progress Theatre

 

Not About Heroes by Stephen MacDonald, Monday 26th May – Saturday 31st May 2014

God of Carnage by Yazmina Reza, adapted by Christoper Hampton Monday 23rd June – Saturday 28th June 2014

Reading Open Air Love's Labour's Lost... And Won by William Shakespeare Wednesday 16th July – Saturday 26th July 2014 at Caversham Court Gardens

Full details about out theatre and all our activities can be found on our website.