"Shakespeare is one of the world's greatest cultural icons. Even today, 400 years after his death, his works continue to thrill audiences not just here in China but all across the globe",said Barbara Woodward CMG OBE, the British ambassador to China. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)
2016 marks 400 years since the death of William Shakespeare. The British Council and the GREAT Britain campaign launched the Shakespeare Lives program to celebrate the works and influence of the world's most performed playwright. It is a global campaign and China will be a vital part of it.
The program was launched on Thursday at Beijing's National Center for the Performing Arts, where the Royal Shakespeare Company will perform in February. The whole program will run through December.
Since his earliest plays Shakespeare has inspired entire generations - world leaders, writers, film makers, artists, composers and performers-who have all turned to the Bard of Avon to reflect their own lives and times.
"Shakespeare is one of the world's greatest cultural icons. Even today, 400 years after his death, his works continue to thrill audiences not just here in China but all across the globe - Shakespeare's works transcend time and cultures. I'm delighted that Shakespeare Lives will recognize one of our most celebrated icons," said Barbara Woodward CMG OBE, the British ambassador to China.
Celebrating the enduring influence of one of the world's greatest playwrights and poets, Shakespeare Lives will not only explore his global legacy but also demonstrate how his stories, themes and language are relevant in the modern world. The program is an opportunity for millions of people of all ages across China to actively experience Shakespeare's works.
"William Shakespeare epitomizes cultural impact and relations, with his works inspiring people around the world. Our exciting Shakespeare Lives program will enable audiences all across China to rediscover and celebrate Shakespeare's works," Said Carma Elliot, director of British Council China.
Shakespeare Lives is an innovative showcase of the UK's rich cultural heritage and contemporary UK creativity in China. Building on the momentum of the 2015 UK-China Year of Cultural Exchange, Shakespeare Lives features a program of events bringing cutting-edge UK culture to China.
