SHAKESPEARE Oxford 2016
Oxford’s year-long celebration to mark 400 years
since the death of William Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s Dead Part Two: August - November 2016
ShakespeareOxford2016.co.uk
@shakespeareOx16
ShakespeareOxford2016
the festival consortium
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.
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.
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.
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.
2 - Shakespeare Oxford 2016
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Shakespeare Oxford 2016
Contents
“Teeming autumn, big with rich increase…..”
As summer plays out in some of Oxford’s most beautiful
outdoor locations, Shakespeare Oxford 2016 gears up
Library Events...................... 4 - 5
Dance in Libraries.....................6
Exhibitions.................................7
for autumn. The days are starting to draw in and Oxford
Talks & Books...................... 8 - 9
beckons with the best of the Bard in dance, opera, song
Family Events..........................10
– and on the big screen. Shakespeare is the inspiration
Trails & Tours...........................11
for talks, workshops, new drama and poetry in our final
Performance....................12 - 14
season of events. I am excited by Play On! at Ultimate
Concerts & Opera...................15
Picture Palace, a rare chance to see excerpts of the first
Films.........................................16
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
End of Festival Celebration...17
Calendar of Events.........18 - 19
Illuminating Shakespeare......20
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
shakespeareoxford2016.co.uk
Shakespeare Oxford 2016 - 3
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!
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
Oxfordshire’s popular annual adult reading
Free events approximately 2 hours long. Please
challenge continues across all 43 Oxfordshire
book ahead with the library.
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.
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
Sonnets Alive
Re-stitched Britches
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
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!
shakespeareoxford2016.co.uk
Shakespeare Oxford 2016 - 5
dance in libraries
Sea of Troubles
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
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
WESTON
BODLEIANfeatures
LIBRARIES
characters
to LIBRARY,
life. The exhibition
tragic characters from Shakespeare’s works including
22
April
–
18
September
Macbeth, Romeo & Juliet and Hamlet.2016
Shakespeare’s
an exhibition
Dead
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
Pictured right: A page
from A dialogue…
FREE www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/shakespearesdead
against the ADMISSION
fever
www.facebook.com/bodleianlibraries
#shakespearesdead
pestilence, a @bodleianlibs
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.
Shakespeare's Dead A4 posters4.indd 1
02/03/2016 12:41
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
shakespeareoxford2016.co.uk
Shakespeare Oxford 2016 - 7
talks - Speak the Speech
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.
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.
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
Wednesdays 12th, 19th, 26th October &
2nd November at 5.15pm
Examination Schools, 81 High Street, Oxford OX1 4AS
Performing Shakespeare: then and
now
Professor Tiffany Stern
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
8 - Shakespeare Oxford 2016
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
shakespeareoxford2016.co.uk
talks & books
Margaret Atwood’s HAG-SEED
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/
The New Oxford Shakespeare
General Editors: Gary Taylor, John Jowett,
Terri Bourus, Gabriel Egan
shakespeareoxford2016.co.uk
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-ofthe-month/
Shakespeare Oxford 2016 - 9
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 roleplay 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
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
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
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Trails & Tours
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
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 wellpreserved 16th century wall-paintings.
10th & 11th September
The Painted Room, Cornmarket Street,
Oxford, OX1 3EX
Visit for more information oxfordpreservation.org.uk
shakespeareoxford2016.co.uk
Shakespeare Oxford 2016 - 11
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!
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.
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.
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/oxfordshakespeare-festival/
13th July – 13th August, University Parks
creationtheatre.co.uk
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
Come and talk about the plays
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.
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.
4th November, 5pm at Oxford Playhouse,
Sat 8th October, 7.30pm at Summertown Library,
Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2LW
South Parade, Summertown OX2 7JN
oxfordplayhouse.com
shakespeareoxford2016.co.uk
shakespeareoxford2016.co.uk
Shakespeare Oxford 2016 - 13
Performance
Lady Macbeth: Unsex Me Here
An exciting and unique piece of dance
theatre by award-winning Company
Chordelia Artistic Director Kally LloydJones. 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
14 - Shakespeare Oxford 2016
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concerts & opera
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
Oxford Lieder Festival:
Anne Sophie von Otter
Holywell Music Room, Holywell St, Oxford OX1 3SD
oxfordlieder.co.uk/tickets
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
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/
shakespeareoxford2016.co.uk
Shakespeare Oxford 2016 - 15
films
BFI King Lear
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/
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
RSC Live - King Lear
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-riversmuseum/
16 - Shakespeare Oxford 2016
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/
shakespeareoxford2016.co.uk
festival celebrations
Carousing with Shakespeare
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.
Photo: Chris Gloag
Christopher
Purves
6th November, 7.30pm
The North Wall Arts Centre, South Parade, Oxford OX2 7JN
thenorthwall.com
50% of proceeds to ARCh Oxfordshire
shakespeareoxford2016.co.uk
Shakespeare Oxford 2016 - 17
calendar of events
DATE
ORGANISATION
EVENT
VENUE/TIME
22 April -
Oxfordshire Libraries
MIDSUMMER READING
Libraries across the County
10 Sept
22 April -
CHALLENGE
Bodleian Libraries
18 Sept
1 Aug - 18
SHAKESPEARE’S DEAD
Weston Library opening hours
EXHIBITION
Oxford Poetry Hub
SONNETS ALIVE
Weston Library opening hours
BMH Productions
THE MAGIC OF
Oxford Castle Unlocked, 7.30pm
Sept
1 – 13 Aug
SHAKESPEARE
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
Oxford University Botanical
BILL’S BLOOMS
Oxford University Botanical
Oct
Gardens
20 Aug
1623 Company
Gardens opening hours
MIDSUMMER MAGICAL
The Story Museum, 11am - 3pm
CREATURES
1 Aug – 30
Museum of History of Science
Dec
STARS, GLOBES AND MAGIC
Museum of History of Science
Trail
opening hours
3 Sept
Blackwell’s
HARRY SIDEBOTTOM
Summertown Library, 11am
3 Sept
The Story Museum with 1623
MIDSUMMER MAGICAL
Kidlington Library, 11am – 3pm
Company
CREATURES
6 Sept
Blackwell’s
FRANCESCA KAY
Cowley Library, 5.30pm
8 Sept
Yorke Dance Project with Susie
Sea of Troubles
Summertown Library, 7.30pm
Crow
movement workshop & talk
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
British Film Industry for
PLAY ON! SHAKESPEARE IN
Sept
Shakespeare 400
SILENT FILM
Ultimate Picture Palace tbc
From 28
RSC Live in Cinemas
CYMBELINE
Oxford Cinemas tbc
Mandala Theatre Company
NIGHT LIGHT
Pegasus Theatre, 7.30pm
Oxford Arts Consultants
Come and Talk About The
Summertown Library, 7.30pm
Sept
29 & 30
Sept
8 Oct
Plays
18 - Shakespeare Oxford 2016
shakespeareoxford2016.co.uk
calendar of events
DATE
12 Oct
ORGANISATION
EVENT
VENUE/TIME
Oxford University English
SHAKESPEARE’S ORIGINALITY
Faculty
Wells Lecture 1
12 Oct
RSC Live in Cinemas
KING LEAR
Oxford Cinemas tbc
19 Oct
Oxford University English
SHAKESPEARE AND THE
Lecture Theatre, Weston Library,
Faculty
VICTORIANS
1pm
Oxford University English
SHAKESPEARE’S ORIGINALITY
Examination Schools, 5.15pm
Faculty
Wells Lecture 2
24 Oct
Oxford Lieder Festival
Anne Sophie von Otter
Sheldonian Theatre, 7.30pm
25 Oct
Crossover Dance Projects
SHAKESPEARE DEAD OR
Cowley Library, 2pm
ALIVE
Ark-T Centre, 7pm
Prof. Tiffany Stern & Jonathan
PERFORMING SHAKESPEARE:
Lecture Theatre, Weston Library,
Lloyd
THEN & NOW
1pm
Oxford University English
SHAKESPEARE’S ORIGINALITY
Examination Schools, 5.15pm
Faculty
Wells Lecture 3
26 Oct
Welsh National Opera
VERDI’S MACBETH
The New Theatre, 7.15pm
26 Oct
Company Chordelia
LADY MACBETH: UNSEX ME
The North Wall Arts Centre, 8pm
19 Oct
26 Oct
26 Oct
Examination Schools, 5.15pm
HERE
28 Oct
Oxford Lieder Festival
SCHUMANN AND
Hollywell Music Room, 7.30pm
SHAKESPEARE SONGS
2 Nov
4 Nov
Oxford University English
SHAKESPEARE’S ORIGINALITY
Faculty
Wells Lecture 4
Live Canon
LIVE CANON’S SONNET
Examination Schools, 5.15pm
Oxford Playhouse, 5pm
REMIX
Shakespeare Oxford 2016 &
CAROUSING WITH
The North Wall Arts Centre,
Friends
SHAKESPEARE
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
The Oxford Martin School,
Writer Who Can’t Be Killed
5.30pm
CHRISTMAS LIGHT FESTIVAL
City Centre Venues
6 Nov
25 - 27
Crossover Dance Projects
Nov
Dates/times correct at time of printing.
shakespeareoxford2016.co.uk
Shakespeare Oxford 2016 - 19
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 AUTUMN
The New Oxford Shakespeare: The Complete Works
Our Supporters: