In collaboration with Convergence, VOICE OF ASIA is proud to present timeless articles from the archives, reproduced digitally for your reading pleasure. Originally published in Convergence Volume 12 in 2012, we present this story on the World Shakespeare Festival, held in conjunction with the 2012 London Olympics.
A celebration of one of the world’s greatest contributors to English literature, the World Shakespeare Festival presents William Shakespeare’s most well-loved works in a unique and decidedly avant-garde vein. Taking place at the iconic Stratford-Upon-Avon – the birthplace of the Bard – as well as other cultural hotspots in and around Great Britain, the festival will feature 37 different theatre companies from around the globe, paying homage to 37 of Shakespeare’s most well-known works in 37 different languages.
Join Convergence in a teaser of the event’s most promising line-ups, and share in the heritage that is William Shakespeare – poet, playwright, and literary legend.
Resurrecting A Legend
More commonly known as the ‘Bard of Avon’, William Shakespeare revolutionised England’s art and theatre scene with his dramatisations of love, laughter, passion, and pain. His sonnets, poems and countless other masterpieces are mirrors of the human condition, each a visual and aural rendition of comedy, history, romance, and tragedy entwined.
Acclaimed as the most prominent dramatist of his time (and perhaps all time), Shakespeare also contributed significantly to the richness of the English language, and has been credited with inventing thousands of words by juxtaposing Latin and French with his native tongue, with words such as ‘courtship, misquote, radiance and zany’ ranking among his considerable arsenal. Research by the Royal Shakespeare Company and the British Council testify to his literary excellence, as his works are shown to be the most studied in the world.
This year, in conjunction with the 2012 London Olympics, the Cultural Olympiad plans to bring these masterpieces to life in an eclectic series of retellings. Its head, Ruth Mackenzie, claims that such a move will be integral to putting “art at the heart of the Olympics” – in essence, giving sport back its soul.
A Cultural Heritage
Scheduled to run from April 23 – the date on which Shakespeare both entered and departed this world – The World Shakespeare Festival will be an amalgamation of literature and culture, with thousands of novice and seasoned performers bringing an international flavour to the magic of the Bard’s most well-loved works. In addition to these productions, supporting events and exhibitions that hold true to Shakespearean themes will be conducted across the UK, in places such as London, Brighton, Birmingham and Edinburgh among others.
In addition to its promise to be an event of epic cultural collaboration, the World Shakespeare Festival aims to drive home the message that the works of William Shakespeare hold global appeal and accessibility. Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum claims the Bard’s works to be an integral part of global heritage, irrespective of age, race, culture or creed. Ruth MacKenzie echoes his passionate sentiment, saying, “Shakespeare belongs to everyone in the world; their own playwright talking to them about their own concerns.”
A Spell-Binding Line-Up
Audiences will be treated to what is sure to be the event’s brightest star: Dmitry Krymov’s world premier of the classic A Midsummer’s Night Dream. An internationally-acclaimed director, artist and designer who has been hailed as one of the most original visionaries of his time, Krymov brings a touch of contemporary magic to Shakespeare’s world of the fae, and will spellbind audiences with a unique Russian rendition of the comedy.
A novel take on Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers finds its form in the Iraqi Theatre Company’s production of Romeo and Juliet in Baghdad. Infused with the country’s rich musical and cultural heritage, the play tells the story of Sunni and Shia, a pair of lovers separated by a country dominated by sectarian struggles. In a lighter vein, an Indian production of Much Ado About Nothing will see effervescent actress and comedienne Meera Syal reprising the role of Beatrice, in a comedy of errors about love and its many accompanying complications.In a politically-thrilling rendition of Shakespeare’s blood-soaked classic, Macbeth, the tyrannical king and his equally malevolent wife find their Tunisian counterparts in modern-day pair Leila and Zine Ben Ali. The traditional dialogue is interspersed with contemporary film and reportage as this unique retelling explores themes of ambition, corruption and power among Arab leaders. Bound to scandalise and titillate, this is a version that you won’t want to miss!
In a more historical though decidedly avant-garde fashion, an interpretation of Richard II will be performed by a Brazilian company employing circus skills. The National Theatre of Mexico will be continuing this trend of contemporising the Bard’s works by creating a political thriller in honour of Shakespeare’s historical plays. Finally, in homage of an era long past, the reigning themes of Ancient Rome – honour, patriotism and friendship – are resurrected under Gregory Doran’s vision, albeit in a most unique manner – in modern-day Africa!
As a world literary icon, Shakespeare continues to revitalise the local and international art scene with vibrant reinterpretations of his most well-loved classics. From the anguish-fuelled narrations of revenge and madness in Hamlet to the light-hearted skulduggery in The Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare continues to share the rich heritage of 16th century England with contemporary audiences. Sample the wonder of the World Shakespeare Festival with the ease of direct flights from KLIA to Heathrow International Airport in London, and let the Bard of Avon’s magic sweep you away.
