July 16 2008
Media release: For immediate release

Medieval Madness takes over Capital E

With a flurry of fanfare, Capital E presents Medieval Madness! - an inspired programme of exciting activities for the July School Holidays, 5 – 19 July.

Brimming with inspiration and creativity, this extensive programme of workshops and special medieval-inspired events has been designed to offer something exciting to children of all ages.

Medieval Madness launches on July 5 with a fun free event the whole family can participate in. Children are invited to travel back to the time of noteworthy jesters and remarkable jousters and assist artists Fifi Colston and Jo Thapa transform the Capital E Playground into a grand Medieval Castle. On hand to inspire will be engaging storytellers Moira Wairama and Tony Hopkins telling tales of brave medieval knights and fierce dragons, while the Knights from The Order of the Boar will delight with demonstrations of their fiendish Medieval Battle Techniques. Children are encouraged to dress up in suitable medieval attire for the launch with prizes to be won! This fun, family event is the perfect gateway to the Capital E Medieval Madness programme.

The two-week Medieval Madness workshop programme offers an exciting line up of design-inspired activities for children aged 8 and above, including 2D Game Design, Action Film Making and Jewellery Design. Activities for younger children include medieval crowns and helmets making, and an enchanting series of Medieval Storytelling. A highlight for all will be The King Who Can’t Laugh – a comic event in which children are invited to share their favourite joke to try and make the very serious Medieval King laugh.

The Medieval Madness programme of activities and events is perfect winter entertainment. So, cozy up these July School Holidays and enjoy Medieval Madness at Capital E!

Medieval Madness sits alongside the Capital E National Theatre for Children’s return season of the internationally acclaimed stage show, Hinepau, Saturday 5 – 19 July.

Full detail of the Medieval Madness programme follows:

Medieval Madness programme:

Medieval Madness Launch
Assist artists Fifi Colston and Jo Thapa transform the Capital E Playground into a grand Medieval Castle! A fun free family event for all.
When: Sat 5 July
Time: 10am – 2pm
Price: FREE

Medieval Storytelling (Age 3 – 7)
Let mesmerising storytellers delight you with medieval tales of kings and queens, princes and princesses, brave knights and fierce dragons! Come time and again as storytellers Moira Wairama, Tony Hopkins and Tanya Batt have many different tales to tell. Check our website for details on what each day will offer.
When: Mon 7 – Sat 19
Time: 10.00am, 11.45am
Duration: 30mins
Price: $5 per person. (Under two years free)

The King Who Can't Laugh (Age 3 – 7)
Once upon a time there lived a King who couldn’t laugh. His court was kept very, very busy offering their Majesty jokes and funny stories but sadly, they were only ever met with a frown.
Now this King has come to Capital E and you can come along and watch the Queen and her merry friends do their best to get a giggle out of His Royal Seriousness. You can join in by bringing along your favourite joke to see if you can tickle his funny bone and make him laugh.
When: Mon 7 – Fri 11, Mon 14 – Sat 19 July
Time: 1.15pm
Duration: 40mins
Price: $5 per person. person (Under two years free)

Medieval Dress-up (Suitable for all ages)
Dress up in suitable medieval attire! Drop into the Playground and make your very own medieval style crown or helmet that you can wear for the day and then take home to keep.
When: Mon 7 – Wed 9, Fri 11, Mon 14 – Wed 16, Fri 18 July
Time: 11am – 3pm
Duration: Stay for as long as you like
Price: $2 per child (parents free)

Medieval 2D Game Design (Age 8+)
Be challenged in our new medieval-inspired creative technology workshop. You will be introduced to game design and learn game programming, visual & audio design, interactive storytelling and game production. Produce your very own playable 2D game that at the completion of the workshop you will be able to download from the Capital E website.

Medieval 2D Game Design Junior (Age 8 to 10)
When: Mon 7 & Tues 8, Mon 14 & Tues 15, Wed 16 & Thurs 17 July
Time: 9.30am -11.30am
Duration: 2 day workshop - 2 hours per day.
Price: $45
Medieval 2D Game Design Senior (Age 11+)
When: Mon 7 & Tues 8, Wed 9 & Thurs 10*, Mon 14 & Tues 15, Wed 16 & Thurs 17 July
Time: 1pm - 3pm (*workshop on Wed 9 & Thurs 10 at 9.30am - 11.30am)
Duration: 2 day workshop - 2 hours per day
Price: $45

Medieval Film Stars and Action Heroes (Age 10+)
Learn to fight like a medieval knight. In this two day workshop you’ll learn how to perform, film and edit dramatic fight sequences. Film your choreographed fight, edit your footage, then add your own soundtrack and sound effects. At the completion of the workshop you will be able to download your film from the Capital E website and watch yourself starring as a medieval action hero. This workshop will sell out – get in quick to secure your place!
When: Thurs 10 & Fri 11, Thurs 17 & Fri 18 July
Time: 10am – 4pm
Duration: 2 day workshop
Price: $60

Medieval Jewellery Making (Age 8+)
Learn about medieval jewellery styles with designer Annie Collins, as you design and create your own medallion or brooch to keep. Using traditional metal materials you will create your own masterpiece of medieval jewellery. A workshop not to be missed.

Medieval Jewellery Making Junior (Age 8 to 10)
When: Tues 8 July, Thurs 10 July
Time: 10am – 1pm
Duration: 3 hours
Price: $35

Medieval Jewellery Making Senior (Age 11+)
When: Mon 7 July, Wed 9 July
Time: 10am – 1pm
Duration: 3 hours
Price: $35

SPECIAL ONE-OFF WORKSHOP, COMPLEMENTING STAGE SHOW HINEPAU

Mahi Raranga - Weaving Workshop
Age 8+
Join renowned weaver and tutor Kohai Grace (Ngati Toa, Ngati Porou, Te Atiawa, Ngati Raukawa), and other experienced weavers, for an in depth three day workshop on the ancient art form of flax weaving. At the end of the workshop you will have learnt the basics of flax weaving and have a beautiful item to take home with you and treasure always. This 3 day workshop will be tailored to suit the individual skill levels of each participant.

When: Mon 14 to Wed 16 July
Time: 10am – 4pm each day
Duration: 3 days
Venue: Capital E E-lounge
Price: $90

BOOKING AND ENROLLMENT FOR ALL WORKSHOPS IS ESSENTIAL.
Phone: 04 913 3720. Email: capitalebookings@wmt.org.nz
For full workshop listings, please visit www.capitale.org.nz

ENDS

Capital E is managed by the Wellington Museums Trust with major funding support from Wellington City Council.

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