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SHAKESPEARE OxfORd 2016OxfOrd’s year-lOng celebratiOn tO mark 400 years
since the death Of William shakespeareShakespeare’s Dead Part Two: August - November 2016
ShakespeareOxford2016.co.uk @shakespeareOx16 ShakespeareOxford2016
2 - Shakespeare Oxford 2016 shakespeareoxford2016.co.uk
tHE fEStivAl cOnSORtium
The English Faculty of the University of Oxford is the largest and most diverse
in Britain, and has recently been ranked the top English department in the
esteemed QS World University rankings. It has included among its former
members such distinguished figures as many great Shakespeareans, including
A.C. Bradley, W.H. Auden, C.S. Lewis, Emrys Jones, and Stanley Wells. We are
now home to almost eighty postholders, with a flourishing undergraduate
course, and one of the most prestigious graduate schools in the world.
Blackwell’s Bookshop on Broad Street, with its year-round events
programme, has been serving the needs of academics, students and
book lovers since 1879. In addition to their main shop, with over four
floors, including the cavernous Norrington Room basement, they have separate shops for Art &
Poster and Printed Music, books, recordings and musical instruments and their very own Rare &
Antiquarian department.
The Bodleian Libraries’ combined collections number more than 12
million printed items, in addition to 90,000 e-journals and vast quantities
of materials in many other formats. Whether you visit an exhibition or a
display, attend an event or a lecture, go on a guided tour, or visit our two
shops, you will find an opportunity to discover distinguished collections,
magnificent buildings and informative programmes.
Experience Oxfordshire is the recognised Destination Management
Organisation (DMO) for Oxfordshire. They are a not-for-profit partnership
organisation committed to the promotion, management and development of Oxfordshire as a great
destination to live, work, visit and do business.
Oxford University Press is the world’s largest university press with the widest
global presence. It currently publishes scholarly works in all academic
disciplines, bibles, music, school and college textbooks, children’s books,
materials for teaching English as a foreign language, business books,
dictionaries and reference books, and academic journals. OUP has offices in around fifty countries,
and employs more than 6,000 people worldwide.
The Oxfordshire Library Service delivers services
and activities that help to develop and support
a literate, informed, skilled, healthy and creative
Oxfordshire society. After the successful completion of the Find Your Voice project, working with
over 400 young people in 2015, Arts Council England has funded the public libraries in the city to
collaborate with the Bodleian Libraries in 2016 to bring Shakespeare to the people in surprising
and new ways.
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“Teeming autumn, big with rich increase…..”
As summer plays out in some of Oxford’s most beautiful
outdoor locations, Shakespeare Oxford 2016 gears up
for autumn. The days are starting to draw in and Oxford
beckons with the best of the Bard in dance, opera, song
– and on the big screen. Shakespeare is the inspiration
for talks, workshops, new drama and poetry in our final
season of events. I am excited by Play On! at Ultimate
Picture Palace, a rare chance to see excerpts of the first
Shakespeare silent films; and impatient to hear more
about the arrival of The New Oxford Shakespeare, the
highly-anticipated landmark publication from Oxford
University Press. The launch for the book on 23rd
November will include a fascinating panel discussion
which draws the Shakespeare’s Dead theme to an
intriguingly open-ended close.
Shakespeare is interpreted by groundbreaking dance
companies at the Weston Library and the North Wall Arts Centre; and by world-class singers, during
the Oxford Lieder Festival, in October.
Autumn is also about exploring Shakespeare for the very first time. 1623 Company invites children
to play with Shakespeare’s magic creatures; the Shakespeare Schools Festival brings Shakespeare
alive for young people; and celebrated poet Kate Clanchy’s interactive project Sonnets Alive
introduces students to the appeal of Shakespeare’s verse.
The University of Oxford takes a magnifiying glass to Shakespeare, inviting adults and students
to a deeper understanding of his work. And don’t forget that many of the talks, workshops, open
rehearsals and play-readings can be enjoyed locally at your very own neighbourhood library; why
not dash off a couplet or quatrain yourself?
Shakespeare himself said, “How far that little
candle throws his beams”. Catch some of those
here in Oxford, at our end of season Carousing
with Shakespeare, a spirited finale to this
special year of celebration. Our revels may be
ended, but the Bard lives on!
Jacqui Ibbotson and The Festival Consortium,
August 2016
CONTeNTS
Library events ..................... 4 - 5
Dance in Libraries ....................6
exhibitions ................................7
Talks & Books ..................... 8 - 9
Family events .........................10
Trails & Tours ..........................11
Performance ...................12 - 14
Concerts & Opera ..................15
Films ........................................16
end of Festival Celebration ..17
Calendar of events ........18 - 19
Illuminating Shakespeare .....20
SHAKESPEARE OxfORd 2016
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SHAKESPEARE in liBRARiES
enjoy a variety of innovative experiences in Oxford’s public libraries and at the Weston Library, part of an Arts Council funded project, Shakespeare’s Dead or Alive. The programme includes ballet, contemporary dance and new drama inspired by Shakespeare, a reading challenge, a schools sonnet-writing project, talks, workshops, open rehearsals and play readings – all coming to a library near you!
Oxfordshire’s popular annual adult reading challenge continues across all 43 Oxfordshire Libraries until the 10th of September. Taking inspiration from the Shakespearean themes of comedies, histories and tragedies there is much to inspire you in the library book displays. Book lovers are invited to write their own brief book reviews and recommendations on specially designed postcards, which will be displayed in libraries throughout the summer. Readers can use the postcards to enter into the Grand Prize Draw for a range of superb local prizes from Waterperry Gardens, Crocodiles of the World, Wychwood Brewery, Marks and Spencer and The Randolph Hotel.
MIDSuMMer NIghT’S reADINg ChALLeNge COMe AND TALK ABOuT BOOKS
A range of literary events will also be on offer throughout the summer. Book discussion groups, led by a librarian, will focus on sharing our reading with each other.
Libraries:
Didcot 3rd Aug (graphic Novels) at 2pm,
Bicester 4th August at 2.30pm,
eynsham 10th August at 2pm,
Kidlington 15th August at 11am,
Watlington 23rd August at 2.30pm,
Abingdon 25th August (Crime Books) at 2pm,
Woodstock 31st August at 2pm Free events approximately 2 hours long. Please
book ahead with the library.
SPeCIAL AuThOr eVeNTS : COMeDY, hISTOrY & TrAgeDY
Blackwell’s Bookshop is supporting four author events at libraries in Oxford which are also free with entry by ticket. Please contact the library in advance.
headington Library: Lisa Dickenson ............................ Saturday, 20th August 3 - 4pm Summertown Library: harry Sidebottom ....................... Saturday, 3rd September 11am – 12pm Cowley Library: Francesca Kay.............................. Tuesday, 6th September 5.30 – 6.30pm
For more information, please see oxfordshire.gov.uk/midsummer
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SHAKESPEARE in liBRARiES
MOre ShAKeSPeAre eVeNTS IN LIBrArIeS ThIS AuTuMN:
Midsummer Magical Creatures workshop (p 10)
Yorke Dance Project workshop and talk (p 6)
Mandala Theatre Company open rehearsal (p 13)
Come and Talk About The Plays (p 13)
Crossover Dance Project workshop (p 6) We are delighted to bring Shakespeare to life for library audiences across the City. Come along and enjoy these special events - we look forward
to seeing you!
SONNeTS ALIVe
Schools project & drop in activity
Shakespeare may be dead, but his special poetic form, the English or Shakespearean sonnet, is very much alive. Poets use it,
and adapt it, quarrel with it and fall back on it again because it such a graceful form – and also such a flattering one. Poet and author Kate Clanchy invites you to write your own sonnet, or just a quatrain, and add it to the sonnet tree (pictured below). Sonnets from the children of Windale Primary School and Oxford Spires Academy are already on the tree.
9th July – 18th Sept Blackwell hall, Weston Library
19th September – 31st October in public libraries
A rhAPSODY OF WOrDS
Though this be madness, And yet there is method in it
Oxford Playhouse Young Company, re-stitched Britches, is a group of young players who have come together to make a new story using famous quotations and recognisable phrases from Shakespeare’s better known plays. Be prepared for melancholy, mayhem or mirth in this short new drama, created through play!
Saturday 12th November, 11am and 2pm in Cowley Library, Temple road OX4 2eZ
Re-stitched Britches
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dAncE in liBRARiES
Yorke Dance Project
Dynamic contemporary ballet company directed by Yolande Yorke Edgell will present an open rehearsal and excerpts of Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s rarely performed work, Sea of Troubles, based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet, with an ensemble of six outstanding dancers. Inspired by nine separate scenes from MacMillan’s only bare-foot ballet, Sea of Troubles focuses on Hamlet’s psychological state, with death scenes interpreted through the physicality, emotion and complex partner-work of the choreography. Performed to the original 20th century chamber music by Webern and Martinu. Susie Crow, who danced in the original production, explains the fascinating creative process.
8th September Talk and Movement Workshop led by Struan Leslie and Susie Crow, 7.30pm at Summertown
Library, South Parade, Oxford OX2 7JN
Sunday 18th September, Open rehearsal and performances, 11.30am - 4pm, Blackwell hall, Weston Library
SeA OF TrOuBLeS
ShAKeSPeAre’S DeAD Or ALIVe
Crossover Dance Projects explore turmoil and conflict in Shakespeare’s tales which feature magic, mystery and mayhem through dance, music and spoken word. Choreographed and directed by performance poet, Euton Daley and Cecilia Macfarlane, a dance artist with an international reputation for her work in the community. The uniqueness and individuality of each dancer is celebrated in this intergenerational cast spanning six decades.
25th October, 2pm at Cowley Library
(extract and workshop open to the public)
25th October, 7pm at Ark-T Centre, Temple Cowley
(Premiere performance)
26th November, performances, as part of Christmas
Light Festival
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ExHiBitiOnS
ShAKeSPeAre’S DeAD
Shakespeare’s Dead, a major exhibition at the Bodleian Libraries, explores how Shakespeare used the anticipation of death, the moment of death and mourning the dead as contexts to bring characters to life. The exhibition features tragic characters from Shakespeare’s works including Macbeth, Romeo & Juliet and Hamlet.
Shakespeare’s Dead also looks at last words spoken, funerals and mourning as well as life after death, including ghosts and characters who come back to life. Explore these themes through key items from the Bodleian’s famous literary collections that include Shakespeare’s First Folio and the the earliest edition of Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet, a number of early editions and an extensive collection of plays and poetry by Shakespeare and his contemporaries.
22nd April - 18th September
Weston Library, Bodleian Libraries, Broad Street,
Oxford OX1 3Bg
Admission Free
Shakespeare’sDeadDead
WESTON LIBRARY, BODLEIAN LIBRARIES22 April – 18 September 2016
an e
xhib
ition
ADMISSION FREE www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/shakespearesdead @bodleianlibs #shakespearesdead www.facebook.com/bodleianlibraries
Shakespeare's Dead A4 posters4.indd 1 02/03/2016 12:41
Pictured right: A page from A dialogue… against the fever pestilence, a book by English physician and cleric William Bullein. The book was published in 1564, the year of Shakespeare’s birth. It was a medical tract advocating the right responses to infection but also has similarities to a play, using dialogue and characters in a lively style that mixes medicine, morality, and entertainment.
TWeLFTh NIghT: AN eXhIBITON OF FINe LeTTerINg ArTS
An exhibition of lettering arts by members of Oxford Scribes based on quotations from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. To be held at the John Radcliffe Hospital over a period including the twelve days of Christmas.
10th December 2016 - 21st January 2017. The hospital exhibition space is located on the main corridor
(level 2) of the original John radcliffe building (Jr2), between the pharmacy and the League of Friends Cafe
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The University of Oxford presents a series of fascinating talks with a focus on Shakespeare - the spoken word, magic and death – brought to life by Shakespeare scholars of international renown. All are welcome to these free talks.
tAlKS - SPEAK tHE SPEEcH
ShAKeSPeAre’S OrIgINALITY
Professor John Kerrigan, St John’s College, Cambridge University
Oxford University English Faculty invites John Kerrigan to present this year’s ‘Oxford Wells Shakespeare Lectures’ on the theme of ‘Shakespeare’s Originality’. Shakespeare drew on many books — often word-for-word — when writing his plays, yet we think of him as creating a unique, dramatic world. These lectures re-open the question of his use of sources (chronicles, romances, the Bible, etc.), the better to understand his originality.
Wednesdays 12th, 19th, 26th October &
2nd November at 5.15pm
examination Schools, 81 high Street, Oxford OX1 4AS
ShAKeSPeAre AND The VICTOrIANS
Professor Robert Douglas Fairhurst, Oxford University English Faculty
In 1864, Robert Browning observed that he and his contemporaries had Shakespeare “in our very bones and blood, our very selves”. In this talk, Robert Douglas-Fairhurst explores some of the ways in which the Victorians tried to keep Shakespeare alive in the nineteenth century: through theatrical revivals and literary allusions; through paintings and photographs; and especially through their fascination with Tennyson’s idea that “the dead are not dead but alive”.
Wednesday 19th October, 1 - 2pm
Lecture Theatre, Weston Library, Broad Street,
Oxford, OX1 3Bg
Free but book early for Weston Library talks to avoid
disappointment: bodleian.ox.ac.uk/whatson
PerFOrMINg ShAKeSPeAre: TheN AND NOW
Professor Tiffany Stern, Oxford University English Faculty with Jonathan Lloyd and the actors of Pegasus Theatre
Accompanied by actors from Pegasus Theatre to help illustrate their points, Jonathan Lloyd, Artistic Director of Pegasus Theatre, and Tiffany Stern, Professor of Early Modern Drama, discuss performing Shakespeare in the past and now.
Wednesday 26th October, 1 – 2.30pm
Lecture Theatre, Weston Library, Broad Street,
Oxford OX1 3Bg
Free but book early for Weston Library talks to avoid
disappointment: bodleian.ox.ac.uk/whatson
WeSTON LIBrArY TALKS
Catch up with previous talks of the Shakespeare Oxford 2016 programme at the Weston Library in 2016 by visiting bodleian.ox.ac.uk/csb/events
Pro
fess
or T
iffan
y St
ern
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tAlKS & BOOKS
uNDeAD ShAKeSPeAre: The WrITer WhO CAN’T Be KILLeD
A panel discussion with the general editors of The New Oxford Shakespeare, chaired by Sir Stanley Wells, Honorary President of The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
From 1592 (‘upstart crow’) to 2014 (‘Shakespeare sucks’), many influential writers and critics have attacked Shakespeare’s work, from many different perspectives. Why has Shakespeare survived all these criticisms? But perhaps that is the wrong question. Is it possible that Shakespeare’s unique status depends on criticism? And that the instabilities of text, authorship and interpretation secure the stability of his reputation?
Wednesday 23rd November, 5.30 pm, The Oxford
Martin School, 34 Broad St, Oxford OX1 3BD
bookshop.blackwell.co.uk/stores/oxford-bookshop/
events/
MArgAreT ATWOOD’S hAg-SeeD
Blackwell’s presents an evening with Margaret Atwood, bestselling author of more than forty books of fiction, poetry, and critical essays, who will be discussing her much anticipated novel Hag-Seed.
As part of the Hogarth Shakespeare series, Hag-Seed is a re-visiting of Shakespeare’s play of magic and illusion, The Tempest. Chairing the event will be Professor of Shakespeare Studies at the University of Oxford, Dr Emma Smith.
Wednesday 9th November, 7pm
Sheldonian Theatre, Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3AZ
bookshop.blackwell.co.uk/stores/oxford-bookshop/
events/
ShAKeSPeAre BOOK OF The MONTh
Blackwell’s Bookshop selects for you new novels inspired by Shakespeare as well as new academic titles about Shakespeare’s life and craft: some of the freshest and most
appealing books about the most influential writer in history.
bookshop.blackwell.
co.uk/stores/
oxford-bookshop/
shakespeare-book-of-
the-month/The New Oxford Shakespeare
General Editors: Gary Taylor, John Jowett, Terri Bourus, Gabriel Egan
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fAmilY EvEntS
MIDSuMMer MAgICAL CreATureS WOrKShOPS
Learn about the nature-inspired fairies at The Story Museum in A Midsummer Night’s Dream with 1623 Theatre Company and create your own magical creatures. Enter the world of A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream, take part in role-play and add your magical creature to a Magical Forest montage.
Saturday 20th August, 11am - 3pm
The Story Museum, 42 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP
Free with museum entry: storymuseum.org.uk
Saturday 3rd September, 11am – 3pm
Kidlington Library, 23 Oxford road, Kidlington OX5 2BP
BILL’S BLOOMS
For something different why not take a trail around the Botanic Garden featuring plants mentioned by Shakespeare in his plays and sonnets.
The trail will run until 31st October 2016.
Oxford university Botanic gardens, Magdalen Bridge,
Oxford OX1 4AZ Admission daily 9am - 5.15pm
ShAKeSPeAre SChOOLS FeSTIVAL
Shakespeare Schools Festival is proud to present a series of unique and inspiring performances by young people from all over Oxford. Shakespeare Schools Festival is the UK’s largest youth drama festival and enables over 1,000 primary, secondary, and special schools to stage abridged Shakespeare productions in their local professional theatre. For adults and children alike an evening at Shakespeare Schools Festival will be a night to be treasured and remembered! For more info: ssf.uk.com
Wednesday 9th – Friday 11th November
headington Theatre, headington School, Oxford
OX3 7TD Priority booking to families of the casts
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tRAilS & tOuRS
The ShAKeSPeAre IN OXFOrD WALKINg TOur
Visit the places where William Shakespeare and his players stayed in Oxford, including the location where Hamlet was first performed. You will also have the opportunity to see the Elizabethan murals in the 12th century inn frequented by Shakespeare. Tickets cost £9. 01865 333602 [email protected].
Fridays at 2pm until Friday 28th October
VISIT The PAINTeD rOOM AT OXFOrD OPeN DOOrS
Step back in time during Oxford’s Open Doors weekend with Oxford Preservation Trust to discover the secrets of the Painted Room, part of the Crown Tavern where Shakespeare stayed on his way to Stratford-upon-Avon. Experience an extraordinary hidden gem in the heart of the city and see its beautiful and remarkably well-preserved 16th century wall-paintings.
10th & 11th September The Painted room, Cornmarket Street, Oxford, OX1 3eX Visit for more information oxfordpreservation.org.uk
ShAKeSPeAre’S WOrLD VIeW: STArS, gLOBeS AND MAgIC
Follow Shakespeare through the Museum of the History of Science to discover the impact of the world on his works. A series of highlighted objects in the Museum’s permanent galleries will explore Shakespeare’s knowledge of the natural world. Suitable for adventurous adults and curious children, come and discover the influence of Elizabethan thinkers on Shakespeare’s works and let the collection transport you back in time.
1 August – 30 December
12 - 5pm, Tuesdays to Sundays
Curator-led tour on 17th August and 21st September at
1.30pm
Museum of the history of Science, Broad Street,
Oxford, OX1 3AZ
recommended donation of £2
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hAMLeT
Celebrate 20 years of Creation Theatre with this open-air production of one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies. Join Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, as he avenges his father’s death in this tale of obsession, insanity and revenge. This production is as inventive and eccentric as audiences have come to expect from Creation, marking their 60th performance in Oxford. Creation Theatre Company is Oxfordshire’s largest producing theatre company, specialising in classic texts and unusual locations.
13th July – 13th August, university Parks
creationtheatre.co.uk
The MAgIC OF ShAKeSPeAre – MACBeTh AND DreAM
An evening of comedy and tragedy, sword and sorcery, BMH’s Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a full on medieval affair, with broad swords aplenty.
Two one-hour versions of the Bard’s plays on the same night, with the same cast in both plays! Marvel at the tragic journey of Macbeth from noble, loyal lord to revengeful King. Then laugh at Bottom’s transformation from hapless amateur actor to full on Ass!
1st – 13th August, 7.30pm
Oxford Castle unlocked, Oxford OX1 1AY
oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk/events/oxford-
shakespeare-festival/
SummER PERfORmAncE
Don’t miss your last chance to experience open air Shakespeare in beautiful Oxford settings. Waterproof ponchos are usually provided for our good old english summertime!
LOVe’S LABOur’S LOST
Watch the madcap antics of four (once) solemn young men and their cohorts, as they fall over themselves and their words, to find out whether four weary young women love them or love them not. Oxford Shakespeare Company, acclaimed specialists in open-air theatre perform at Wadham College Oxford before making an appearance at Wilderness Festival. Their Love’s Labour’s Lost is let loose in the 1970s with original music inspired by the decade that brought us Glam Rock, Punk and New Wave.
28th June – 18th August, 7.30pm, matinees at 2.30pm
Wadham College gardens, Parks road, Oxford OX1 3PN
oxfordshakespearecompany.co.uk
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PERfORmAncE
NIghT LIghT BY NADIA DAVIDS
Mandala Theatre Company reflects on Shakespeare’s Pericles in this new commission which explores displacement and belonging in our time.
Somewhere in England two teenagers seeking asylum and fearing deportation, hide out in an abandoned factory. As the long cold night unfolds, they imagine their future and tell each other about their past until a familiar figure arrives. At any point he can reveal their hiding place, turn them over to the authorities and send them back to their countries and to danger. mandala theatre company is an Oxford based Community Interest Company (CIC) that uses the power of theatre to change lives, build community, and foster social justice.
13th September Open rehearsal, 12 - 7pm
Kennington Library and Village hall
Kennington, Oxford OX1 5Pg
29th & 30th September, 7.30pm
Pegasus Theatre
pegasustheatre.org.uk
LIVe CANON’S SONNeT reMIX
This year, to celebrate Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary, Live Canon invited 154 poets to write new poems in response to Shakespeare’s 154 sonnets. Participating poets came from all over the world (including Oxford). Here, Live Canon perform a selection of Shakespeare’s sonnets and the contemporary poems written in response, in celebration of the bard. Live Canon perform poetry, from memory, at theatres, festivals and poetry events throughout the world.
4th November, 5pm at Oxford Playhouse,
Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2LW
oxfordplayhouse.com
COMe AND TALK ABOuT The PLAYS
Exploring the works of Shakespeare not yet presented in Oxford in 2016, local actors, academics, directors and writers have come together to present readings of excerpts from some of the less performed of Shakespeare’s plays. Topics for discussion after each piece will range from how working with an acting company changed the way Shakespeare wrote to exploring the difference between a boy and a woman playing the female lead. Check the website for more details.
Sat 8th October, 7.30pm at Summertown Library,
South Parade, Summertown OX2 7JN
shakespeareoxford2016.co.uk
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PERfORmAncE
LADY MACBeTh: uNSeX Me here
An exciting and unique piece of dance theatre by award-winning Company Chordelia Artistic Director Kally Lloyd-Jones. Marking the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, Lady Macbeth: Unsex Me Here explores one of Shakespeare’s most complex women. Ambition, power, guilt, remorse, loss, death. Paralleling Shakespeare’s time, a cast of three male dancers all play Lady Macbeth, exploring the relationship between masculinity and femininity.
Using Shakespeare’s language as the source, British Sign Language is used to create choreography, producing a piece of visceral dance and movement theatre which will reach Deaf and hearing audiences alike.
26th October, 8pm
The North Wall Arts Centre, South Parade, Oxford
OX2 7JN thenorthwall.com
ChrISTMAS LIghT FeSTIVAL
Oxford’s popular Christmas Light Festival this year embraces the theme, Winter Tales in homage to Shakespeare’s late great work. On Friday evening, follow the magical lantern procession and join the festive atmosphere in the City’s museums, at Gloucester Green and on the streets. There are lots of free events and over the weekend you can catch a performance of ‘Shakespeare Dead or Alive’ by Crossover Dance Projects. Check the website for more details.
Friday 25th – Sunday 27th November
Oxford City Centre
oxfordschristmas.com
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cOncERtS & OPERA
OXFOrD LIeDer FeSTIVAL: ANNe SOPhIe von OTTer
One of the world’s pre-eminent singers makes her first visit to the Oxford Lieder Festival, joined by pianist Julius Drake and a leading British actor (to be announced). Anne Sofie von Otter’s selection of Shakespeare settings and readings includes The Willow Song, Purcell If music be the food of love, Schubert An Silvia, Berlioz La mort d’Ophélie, and works by Sibelius, Korngold, Britten, Tippett, Rufus Wainwright and Cole Porter.
24th October, 7.30pm Sheldonian Theatre, Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3AZ oxfordlieder.co.uk/tickets
SChuMANN & ShAKeSPeAre SONgS
Oxford Lieder Festival presents renowned soprano Kate Royal, star baritone Johannes Kammler, and acclaimed pianist Roger Vignoles in a once-in-a-lifetime Schumann Project in which all Robert Schumann’s songs will be performed. Schumann’s four Lieder und Gesange each contains five settings of poets including Shakespeare, composed between 1840 and 1850. These beautiful settings include the first song Schumann ever wrote, taken from A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
28th October, 7.30pm
holywell Music room, holywell St, Oxford OX1 3SD
oxfordlieder.co.uk/tickets
VerDI’S MACBeTh
Don’t miss this new production from Welsh National Opera for Shakespeare 400. Macbeth has blood on his hands, but although he is now king, the crown rests uneasily on his head. Verdi described Macbeth as ‘one of mankind’s greatest creations’; his thrillingly intense adaptation of this famous play is brooding and ferocious. As ever, we expect the WNO Chorus and Orchestra to throw themselves into Macbeth and create a highly-charged evening.
26th October, 7.15pm New Theatre, george Street, Oxford OX1 2Ag
atgtickets.com/shows/macbeth/new-theatre-oxford/
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PLAY ON! ShAKeSPeAre IN SILeNT FILM
Drawing together a delightful selection of thrilling, iconic and humorous scenes from 24 titles, this newly digitised collection from the BFI celebrates Shakespeare in silent film from 1899-1940. By the end of the silent era around 300 Shakespeare adaptations had been produced. See King Lear battle a raging storm at Stonehenge, The Merchant of Venice in stencil colour, the fairy magic of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and what was probably John Gielgud’s first appearance on film, in Romeo and Juliet (1924).
25th & 26th September 2016
The ultimate Picture Palace, Jeune Street, OX4 1BN
uppcinema.com
filmS
rSC LIVe - CYMBeLINe
Britain is in crisis: alienated, insular and on the brink of disaster. Can it be saved? Cymbeline is Shakespeare’s coming of age tragicomic romance. A story of power, sexuality and identity, stunningly retold for the 21st century. Melly Still directs Gillian Bevan in the role of Cymbeline, the first woman to take on the role for the RSC, and Bethan Cullinane (King Lear, 2013 Globe Theatre) as Imogen.
In cinemas from 28th September 2016
rsc.org.uk/whats-on/in-cinemas/
rSC LIVe - KINg LeAr
King Lear has ruled for many years. As age begins to overtake him, he decides to divide his kingdom amongst his children, living out his days without the burden of power. Antony Sher returns to play King Lear - one of the greatest parts written by Shakespeare - following his performance as Willy Loman in Arthur Miller’s great 20th century American tragedy Death of a Salesman. The production is directed by Artistic Director Gregory Doran.
In cinemas from 12th October 2016
rsc.org.uk/whats-on/in-cinemas/
CuLT SCreeNS – rOMeO & JuLIeT
Shakespeare’s famous play is updated to the hip modern suburb of Verona Beach, California still retaining its original dialogue. Baz Luhrmann’s award-winning film stars Leonardo DiCaprio. Pick a deck chair and enjoy great wine or popcorn in this beautiful outdoor location.
24th August 2016, 7pm for an 8.30pm start
Lawn of Museum of Natural history & Pitt rivers
South Parks road, Oxford, OX1 3PP
cultscreens.co.uk/venue-info-oxford-pitt-rivers-
museum/
BFI King Lear
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fEStivAl cElEBRAtiOnS
Enjoy an evening of poetry, laughter and music with a selection of sonnets, songs, Shakespeare-inspired sketches and even an Oxford versus Stratford Shakespeare quiz! Special guests include BBC Arts Editor Will Gompertz, baritone Christopher Purves, RSC and Archers actor David Troughton, Lady Jill Freud, Phyllida Hancock, Ali Troughton and composer and music director Ben Parry.
Throughout 2016, Oxford has been celebrating Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary in public libraries, theatres, cinemas, concert halls, museums, in parks under the stars, in a carnival and in nightclubs. We invite you to enjoy witty and poignant moments from Shakespeare Oxford 2016, together with sonnets and contemporary poetry, play excerpts and sketches, jazz, choral and musical songs from our special guests and Musical Youth Company Oxford - a recipe for an unforgettable night.
CArOuSINg WITh ShAKeSPeAre
6th November, 7.30pm
The North Wall Arts Centre, South Parade, Oxford OX2 7JN
thenorthwall.com
50% of proceeds to ArCh Oxfordshire
Pho
to: C
hris
Glo
ag
Christopher Purves
18 - Shakespeare Oxford 2016 shakespeareoxford2016.co.uk
DATE ORGANISATION EVENT VENUE/TIME
22 April -
10 Sept
Oxfordshire Libraries MIDSUMMER READING
CHALLENGE
Libraries across the County
22 April -
18 Sept
Bodleian Libraries SHAKESPEARE’S DEAD
EXHIBITION
Weston Library opening hours
1 Aug - 18
Sept
Oxford Poetry Hub SONNETS ALIVE Weston Library opening hours
1 – 13 Aug BMH Productions THE MAGIC OF
SHAKESPEARE
Oxford Castle Unlocked, 7.30pm
1 - 13 Aug Creation Theatre HAMLET University Parks, 7pm
1 - 18 Aug Oxford Shakespeare Company LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST Wadham College Gardens,
7.30pm
20 Aug Blackwell’s LISA DICKENSON Headington Library, 3pm
Aug – 31
Oct
Oxford University Botanical
Gardens
BILL’S BLOOMS Oxford University Botanical
Gardens opening hours
20 Aug 1623 Company MIDSUMMER MAGICAL
CREATURES
The Story Museum, 11am - 3pm
1 Aug – 30
Dec
Museum of History of Science STARS, GLOBES AND MAGIC
Trail
Museum of History of Science
opening hours
3 Sept Blackwell’s HARRY SIDEBOTTOM Summertown Library, 11am
3 Sept The Story Museum with 1623
Company
MIDSUMMER MAGICAL
CREATURES
Kidlington Library, 11am – 3pm
6 Sept Blackwell’s FRANCESCA KAY Cowley Library, 5.30pm
8 Sept Yorke Dance Project with Susie
Crow
SEA OF TROUBLES
movement workshop & talk
Summertown Library, 7.30pm
13 Sept Mandala Theatre Company NIGHT LIGHT rehearsal Kennington Library, 12 - 7pm
18 Sept Yorke Dance Project SEA OF TROUBLES Blackwell Hall, Weston Library,
11.30am – 4pm
25 & 26
Sept
British Film Industry for
Shakespeare 400
PLAY ON! SHAKESPEARE IN
SILENT FILM
Ultimate Picture Palace tbc
From 28
Sept
RSC Live in Cinemas CYMBELINE Oxford Cinemas tbc
29 & 30
Sept
Mandala Theatre Company NIGHT LIGHT Pegasus Theatre, 7.30pm
8 Oct Oxford Arts Consultants COME AND TALK ABOUT THE
PLAYS
Summertown Library, 7.30pm
cAlEndAR Of EvEntS
Shakespeare Oxford 2016 - 19 shakespeareoxford2016.co.uk
12 Oct Oxford University English
Faculty
SHAKESPEARE’S ORIGINALITY
Wells Lecture 1
Examination Schools, 5.15pm
12 Oct RSC Live in Cinemas KING LEAR Oxford Cinemas tbc
19 Oct Oxford University English
Faculty
SHAKESPEARE AND THE
VICTORIANS
Lecture Theatre, Weston Library,
1pm
19 Oct Oxford University English
Faculty
SHAKESPEARE’S ORIGINALITY
Wells Lecture 2
Examination Schools, 5.15pm
24 Oct Oxford Lieder Festival Anne Sophie von Otter Sheldonian Theatre, 7.30pm
25 Oct Crossover Dance Projects SHAKESPEARE DEAD OR
ALIVE
Cowley Library, 2pm
Ark-T Centre, 7pm
26 Oct Prof. Tiffany Stern & Jonathan
Lloyd
PERFORMING SHAKESPEARE:
THEN & NOW
Lecture Theatre, Weston Library,
1pm
26 Oct Oxford University English
Faculty
SHAKESPEARE’S ORIGINALITY
Wells Lecture 3
Examination Schools, 5.15pm
26 Oct Welsh National Opera VERDI’S MACBETH The New Theatre, 7.15pm
26 Oct Company Chordelia LADY MACBETH: UNSEX ME
HERE
The North Wall Arts Centre, 8pm
28 Oct Oxford Lieder Festival SCHUMANN AND
SHAKESPEARE SONGS
Hollywell Music Room, 7.30pm
2 Nov Oxford University English
Faculty
SHAKESPEARE’S ORIGINALITY
Wells Lecture 4
Examination Schools, 5.15pm
4 Nov Live Canon LIVE CANON’S SONNET
REMIX
Oxford Playhouse, 5pm
6 Nov Shakespeare Oxford 2016 &
Friends
CAROUSING WITH
SHAKESPEARE
The North Wall Arts Centre,
7.30pm
9 – 11 Nov Shakespeare Schools Festival SCHOOLS SHAKESPEARE Headington Theatre
12 Nov Re-Stitched Britches A RHAPSODY OF WORDS Cowley Library, 11am & 2pm
23 Nov Oxford University Press UNDEAD SHAKESPEARE: THE
WRITER WHO CAN’T BE KILLED
The Oxford Martin School,
5.30pm
25 - 27
Nov
Crossover Dance Projects CHRISTMAS LIGHT FESTIVAL City Centre Venues
Dates/times correct at time of printing.
cAlEndAR Of EvEntS
DATE ORGANISATION EVENT VENUE/TIME
illuminAting SHAKESPEARE
2016 is the year to find out more about Shakespeare – whether you are discovering him for the first time, or you are already well on the way to being an expert.
To help you on your path, Oxford University Press has created a range of free resources, including videos, quizzes, infographics, as well as articles and blogs by experts from all over the world. There is material for schools, students, and anyone who loves and appreciates Shakespeare’s plays.
Every month, explore a new theme on Illuminating Shakespeare at oup.com/shakespeare.
Shakespeare and Women, Shakespeare and Film, Shakespeare’s Reading, Shakespeare and Sex,
Shakespeare and Religion, Shakespeare and Money, Shakespeare and Nature, Shakespeare and Death, Shakespeare and Music; Shakespeare Worldwide…
PuBLIShINg ThIS AuTuMNThe New Oxford Shakespeare: The Complete Works
OuR SuPPORtERS: