23 April 2016 sees the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death. Here’s a guide to the best theatrical alternatives in London.
Film
BFI Shakespeare on Film, April-May
Highlights in April include Ian McKellen’s screen adaptation of Richard Eyre’s Richard III (1995), an adaptation of Max Reinhardt’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1935), Kenneth Branagh’s A Much Ado About Nothing (1993) and Peter Brook’s King Lear (1970)
The Complete Walk, Shakespeare’s Globe, 23-24 April
The Globe has produced 37 Shakespeare adaptations to be shown along the River Thames featuring some of Britain’s finest actors.
Talks
National Theatre’s Celebrating Shakespeare Platforms , 19-22 April
The National Theatre presents a series of talks and conversations about the NT’s relationship with Shakespeare as well as talks with actors and directors about their performances and productions.
Shakespearean Performance in Modern London: Discussions and Performances on the Shakespeare in Modern Theatre, The Rose Theatre Southwark, 25 April
Presentations by directors Duncan Moore (KDC Theatre), Bryon Fear (South London Theatre) and Tom Salyers (Tower Theatre) alongside Pepe Pryke from the Rose Theatre Trust about recent productions of Shakespeare plays and how they are relevant to life in modern London.
Shakespeare in 1916: The First World War & the Origins of Global Shakespeare, Senate House, 3 May
In this talk, Professor Gordon McMullan will reflect on the intersection of the Shakespeare Tercentenary and the First World War, looking in particular at one of the main elements of Tercentenary commemoration, Israel Gollancz’s Book of Homage to Shakespeare..
Performance
Romeo and Juliet, Royal Festival Hall, 15 April
Jaime Martín conducts music from Prokofiev’s celebrated ballet score.
Late at the Library: World Book Night celebrates, British Library 23 April
An alternative night of Shakespearean festivities in honour of our greatest writer, hosted by actor and author Ben Crystal, with special guests, performance, music and food and drink.
For more events see http://www.shakespeare400.org/
