The Open University and BBC World Service presents a new series of TV programmes taken from essays produced by the British Council. The programmes explore Shakespeare’s relevance today as cultural figures from around the globe take us on a journey through their personal experiences with the Bard's works.
While transmission of this programme isn't available in the UK, full programmes are available right here on OpenLearn. As series co-producer, we've compiled a load of content to complement the series and take your learning further, you can:
- Watch the five films form the series now.
- Find out more about the individual episodes.
- Explore Shakespeare's life in more detail with our hub, podcasts and interactive.
'Living Shakespeare' airs on BBC World TV (only seen outside the UK) from 5th September 2016 at 05:55, 10:55, 12:55, 15:50, 18:55 (all times are in GMT). It's part of the season celebrating 400 years since Will's birth, across the BBC - find out more about Living Shakespeare.
Watch the videos in the series now
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Living Shakespeare: Dr John Kani on South Africa and Othello
Shakespeare's 'Othello' still makes people uncomfortable because it tackles racism, so what was it like for John Kani who played the play's lead role at the peak of Apartheid in South Africa?
Watch nowLiving Shakespeare: Dr John Kani on South Africa and OthelloLevel: 1 Introductory
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Living Shakespeare: Kalki Koechlin on India's women and Ophelia
Ophelia's situation in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' bears a lot of parallels with Indian women and their place in society. Bollywood actor, Kalki Koechlin, explores her tragic story.
Watch nowLiving Shakespeare: Kalki Koechlin on India's women and OpheliaLevel: 1 Introductory
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Living Shakespeare: Dame Evelyn Glennie on the UK and The Tempest
The United Kingdom's Dame Evelyn Glennie talks us through her unique way of hearing and interpreting Shakespeare’s The Tempest.
Watch nowLiving Shakespeare: Dame Evelyn Glennie on the UK and The TempestLevel: 1 Introductory
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Living Shakespeare: Hong Ying on China and the sonnets
Shakespeare's sonnets were once banned in China and are now popular with the gay community. Hong Ying, author of ‘Daughter of the River’ looks at Shakespeare’s sonnets as they relate to sexuality and love in China.
Watch nowLiving Shakespeare: Hong Ying on China and the sonnetsLevel: 1 Introductory
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Living Shakespeare: Alissar Caracalla on Lebanon and A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Choreographer Alissar Caracalla reimagines A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the mountains of Lebanon.
Watch nowLiving Shakespeare: Alissar Caracalla on Lebanon and A Midsummer Night’s DreamLevel: 1 Introductory
Find out more about Shakespeare's life and works
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Happy birthday Shakespeare!
It has been over 400 years since Shakespeare died, but his works still 'play on' today. Explore the life, times and legacy of the Bard of Avon...
Read nowHappy birthday Shakespeare!Level: 1 Introductory
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Shakespeare: A critical analysis
Is Shakespeare still relevant today? How does his work influence pop culture today? Do the themes of his plays continue to resonate with modern audiences or as a result of his legacy has he become a caricature of himself? Stephen Regan, accompanied by experts from the world Shakespeare congress examine Shakespeare ‘s work from a critical perspective, putting his plays in historical and social context as well as making a critical analysis of the broader questions of performance and audience interaction throughout history.
Listen nowShakespeare: A critical analysisLevel: 1 Introductory
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Fakespeare: Rewriting the bard
Rewrite Shakespeare’s best bits for the 21st Century and reveal your inner wordsmith.
Take part nowFakespeare: Rewriting the bardLevel: 1 Introductory
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