Shakespeare On the Estate

Overview

Award-winning documentary in which theatre director Michael Bogdanov tries to persuade residents of a Birmingham estate to perform the Bard. After initial indifference, in three weeks he builds a company of enthusiastic amateur actors whose performances of scenes from the plays are riveting. Here's a thuggish Caliban, a black Shylock full of conviction, and exuberant gang members from Romeo and Juliet. It's only a temporary triumph, but it does demonstrate the power and appeal of Shakespeare, and you wonder at the talent going to waste.

Details

Status

Ended

Network

BBC Two

Original language

English

Creator

Michael Bogdanov