Central takes part in Shakespeare at the UN Broadcast Event
On 23 April 2024, to commemorate English Language Day at the United Nations, Central is taking part in a special commission for the Shakespeare at the UN event. The event will be broadcast live on UN Global YouTube and UN Web TV at 09.00EST/ 14.00 BST
Organised by the United Nations Movie Society (whose president, Brenda Vongová studied at Central), Shakespeare at the UN brings together performers and creatives from around the world to perform Shakespeare’s works through a multicultural, multilinguistic and multigenerational lens. Pieces were chosen to highlight the universality and timelessness of Shakespeare’s words across cultures and borders, as well as the work of the United Nations through its Four Pillars: Peace and Security, Human Rights, The Rule of Law, and Development.
Central’s Principal, Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE delivered a keynote address as a part of the event, followed by filmed performances from Central graduates and staff. Those involved include:
Diana Feng, performing Lady Macbeth’s speech from Act I Scene 5, from Macbeth. Performing in Mandarin Chinese.
Lanna Joffrey, performing Shakespeare’s Sonnet 19. Performing in Farsi, with translation from Farokh Soltani.
Danny Sapani, performing King Lear’s speech from Act III Scene 4, from King Lear. Performing in English.
Actor Dawn Jani Birley will also be performing Lady Macbeth’s speech from Act I Scene 5, from Macbeth. This monologue will be performed in American Sign Language with audio translation by Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE.
Central tutor Richard Keith will also perform an excerpt from Act I Scene 1 of Henry IV, Part 1.
Alongside Central, the event features contributions from The Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare’s Globe, The Shakespeare Institute, La Baignoire Company, the Institute for Research on the Renaissance, the Neo-Classical Age, and the Enlightenment (IRCL) in Montpellier, France and Adrian Lester CBE.
Opening remarks will be delivered by H.E. Dame Barbara Woodward, DCMG, OBE, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations.
Further information about English Language Day at the United Nations, as well as the Shakespeare at the UN event, can be found on the United Nations’ website.
Shakespeare at the UN will remain on the UN Global YouTube channel and UN Web TV, and it will continue to be available to view following the initial broadcast.
