Shakespeare in Space to Mark First Folio 400th Anniversary

Shakespeare's First Folio - the first edition of his collected works - was published in 1623. JOHN D MCHUGH / AFP
Shakespeare's First Folio - the first edition of his collected works - was published in 1623. JOHN D MCHUGH / AFP
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Shakespeare in Space to Mark First Folio 400th Anniversary

Shakespeare's First Folio - the first edition of his collected works - was published in 1623. JOHN D MCHUGH / AFP
Shakespeare's First Folio - the first edition of his collected works - was published in 1623. JOHN D MCHUGH / AFP

A portrait of English playwright William Shakespeare and a speech from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" have been sent into space in a weather balloon to mark the 400th anniversary of the publication of his first collected works.

Footage of the initiative is included in one of six short films celebrating the four-century milestone by film maker Jack Jewers, said AFP.

Each film takes one of Shakespeare's most famous poems or speeches and reimagines them for the 21st century.

Subjects touched upon include the impact of Covid 19, the war in Ukraine, space exploration and social justice protests.

The first printed edition of Shakespeare's collected plays, known as the First Folio, was published in 1623, seven years after the Bard's death.

In one of the films, Jewers remotely directs Ukrainian civilians in Kyiv to create a new interpretation of Shakespeare's "Band of Brothers" speech from his history play "Henry V".

Another features "Our Revels Now Are Ended" from "The Tempest" and explores themes of loneliness and isolation caused by the pandemic, as well as the joy of reunions with loved ones.

In another, real footage of migrants at sea is combined with a speech defending refugees from an unperformed play.

Jewers said he chose the subjects for the films to reflect parallels with 1623.

"Everything that has been happening to us in the past few years of upheaval –- mass disease, concerns about immigration, protest, conflict in Europe, a growing desire to challenge authority and speak truth to power -– was also happening in 1623," he said.

When the First Folio was published, there was an outbreak of plague and English migrants were crossing the Atlantic Ocean in boats to start new lives in North America.

"The parallels are uncanny and Shakespeare's words are fresher now than ever before in their ability to speak powerfully to our own contemporary lives," Jewers added.

The films will be screened in central London on November 8.



Culture Ministry Launches Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year

This cultural year marks a significant step in enhancing bilateral cultural exchange
This cultural year marks a significant step in enhancing bilateral cultural exchange
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Culture Ministry Launches Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year

This cultural year marks a significant step in enhancing bilateral cultural exchange
This cultural year marks a significant step in enhancing bilateral cultural exchange

The Saudi Ministry of Culture has announced the launch of the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025 in China, highlighting the strong, decades-long friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
This cultural year marks a significant step in enhancing bilateral cultural exchange, featuring a series of events designed to enrich the cultural landscapes of both Saudi Arabia and China, and to deepen the historical ties between their peoples.
Last month, the Ministry of Culture, in partnership with the Saudi Embassy, organized a Founding Day celebration in Beijing. The event showcased Saudi heritage through artisan demonstrations of traditional handicrafts and displays of Arabic calligraphy.
In celebration of the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year, the Ministry of Culture's Visual Arts Commission, in partnership with UCCA, is hosting an exhibition of renowned Saudi contemporary artist Ahmed Mater. Taking place from March 8 to July 8, 2025, at the UCCA Edge in Shanghai, the exhibition titled Antenna marks the artist’s first major solo show in China.
Featuring over a hundred artworks that represent Mater’s artistic practice and cultural reflections, the show traces the artist’s creative journey and offers a comprehensive view of his oeuvre.
Mater is one of the most celebrated Saudi artists who has contributed significantly to the Kingdom’s contemporary art scene and visual arts eco-system. His work has been presented in many notable museums and institutions, including Christie’s in London in July 2024.