Shakespeare lives in 2016! This truly great Briton was in his prime as a writer four centuries ago, but his global legacy lives on. William Shakespeare has inspired and influenced millions to this day, thanks to his supreme ability to capture the essence of the human condition that remains as vital and relevant in the 21st Century as it was during his time.
To celebrate Shakespeare’s universal influence, audiences can participate in an exciting programme of events and activities lined up across the globe around the life and legacy of this great Briton.
Here in Manila, The Bard will headline the British Embassy Manila’s annual event – The British Festival – which will be held from 26 to 28 February at Bonifacio High Street, BGC. One of the new attractions at this year’s festival is the Shakespeare Pavilion, which will house a series of events and performances that celebrate the life and works of one of the greatest and most influential literary figures in the world.
Sign up now, admission is free! Budding artists can join the children’s theatre workshop conducted by the Philippine Education Theatre Association (PETA). Others can take part in Everyday Shakespeare Talks by the Manila Shakespeare Company. Everyone will enjoy excerpts of PETA’s highly-lauded Shakespeare rap-musical“William” and “William Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits” by Word of Mouth Theatre, excerpts from “A Comedy of Errors” performed by British School Manila students and pocket live performances of Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night and Julius Caesar by Miriam College students. Experience also Shakespeare’sThe Tempest Reimaginedat the British Festival.
Everyone is also invited to join the British Council’s Play Your Part by sharing favourite Shakespeare quotes through various online formats like 30-seconder videos and tweets, using the hashtag #PlayYourPart.
British Ambassador Asif Ahmad invites everyone to take part. “The themes of Shakespeare’s works are timeless. Politics, romance, intrigue, comedy and tragedy is seen in many adaptations in films, music, opera, literature and animation. Shakespeare has always been accessible. You don’t have to be a Literature or English major to understand an enjoy Shakespeare. You can catch three days of The Bard at The British Festival – so say yes to the question to be or not to be, be there.”
“Better yet, Visit Britain and immerse yourself in our rich culture and heritage. The Shakespeare Company has begun a run of all 36 Shakespeare plays, to be performed over the next five years. You can watch performances at Shakespeare’s Globe, a replica of the original Elizabethan theatre. Or visit one of over 2,500 museums, most for free. Britain is one of the most exciting and thriving cultural destinations in the world. We offer a captivating blend of old and new, avant-garde and traditional, with a vast range of attractions and experiences free to enjoy.”
This year, the world truly is Shakespeare’s stage. Join us, play your part. Follow the British Embassy Manila on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more details on how to get involved at The British Festival and the Shakespeare Pavilion.
These activities are part of the GREAT campaign that showcases the best of British business and culture, led by the British Embassy Manila and its partners.