Blogs

Shakespeare’s Macbeth as a British-Asian fusion!

Posted on by Kitty Clairmont Author

macbeth 2Shakespeare’s Macbeth was given a fresh airing last night at Stratford Circus Theatre! Director Jatinder Verma did a sterling job – the cast of eight doubled and even tripled up their roles with professional ease with Rax Timyr playing not only part of the chorus but also providing music (particularly fine drumming and even beatboxing!)

Robert Mountford gave a stirring performance as Macbeth wearing his clan’s turban as a crown complete with ceremonial robes and sword, a truly ‘resplendent Mughal Emperor’.

What an inspired interpretation of the witches as hijras – a legally recognised third gender in India and Germany and made macbethcomplete sense when you find out that  ‘being outside the norms of gender, hijras see themselves as part of a spirit world that traces back to the half-man half-woman god, Ardh-Narishwar’. It was all incorporated sensitively and seamlessly into Shakespeare’s play in such a way that it made this British-Asian fusion an instant success.

Loved seeing so many young people there too! another fine production by Tara Arts in association with Black Theatre Live and Queen’s Hall Arts. Check out the latest news on their website http://tara-arts.com/#/

*Quotes are taken from the show’s programme ‘Director’s Note’

London Picture Book – Reading For Pleasure

Posted on by Kitty Clairmont Author

kittyclairmont · March 27, 2013
(Not a new post just re-edited)

I recently presented my book review on Paddington at the Palace by Michael Bond, illus R.W for inclusion in the virtual collection of picture books by University of East London Primary PGCE trainee teachers….fantastic learning opportunity.

It was a wonderful experience, even though it was nerve racking! A real privilege to be part of it.

http://londonpicturebook.wordpress.com/

paddington

Literature search on improving boys’ writing by Daly

Posted on by Kitty Clairmont Author

Literature search on improving boys’ writing by Daly, Caroline, Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED)Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED), corp creators. (2002) Literature search on improving boys’ writing.

This review considers the findings of recent literature on boys’ writing in Key Stages 1–4 in England, and refers to related literature from other parts of the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and North America. It also includes some reference to the Reception year of the Foundation Stage.
(I have highlighted text for my own use)
 Daly – Literature search on improving boys’ writing

All Women’s Day and the lady Mayor Elizabeth Kangethe!

Posted on by Kitty Clairmont Author

I was a guest speaker at Dagenham Library celebrating ALL WOMEN’S DAY where I read extracts from my books and talked about what inspired me to become an author. It was a wonderful day with so many astounding women talking about their various enterprises and achievements – in particular the esteemed lady Mayor of Barking and Dagenham herself Elizabeth Kangethe who was interested in ARTY TARDY! What an inspirational lady she is!

Me and the Mayor Barking and Dagenham

Lovereading review of ARTY TARDY

Posted on by Kitty Clairmont Author

What a wonderful review!!! 

“The book isn’t preachy, and nor is it moralistic. It does, however, pack a powerful message: That schools must do more to facilitate the inclusion of SEN children. It also identifies the single-most important point of mainstream education – that no children, with and without SEN, are “mainstream” at all. All children need the support of their peers and teaching staff to thrive.”

lovereading logo

http://blog.lovereading.co.uk/2015/03/lovereading-book-review-arty-tardy-by-kitty-clairmont/#.VQbfX_6sXUu

Earlham Primary School reading ARTY TARDY!

Posted on by Kitty Clairmont Author

This afternoon I had a lovely ⅵsit to Earlham Primary School where I used to work as a Teaching Assistant.  Head Teacher Laura Hewer was so warm and welcoming and it was great to see the staff and children who still remembered me! Even better is the fact that the teacher I used to work with  –  Miss Kirby – my hero and role model is going to be reading ARTY TARDY with a Year 6 class!

What a wonderful afternoon!

Arty Tardy