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.



Arab League Celebrates World Arabic Language Day

General view of hotels, banks and office buildings by the Nile River in Egypt, September 12, 2022. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh/File Photo
General view of hotels, banks and office buildings by the Nile River in Egypt, September 12, 2022. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh/File Photo
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Arab League Celebrates World Arabic Language Day

General view of hotels, banks and office buildings by the Nile River in Egypt, September 12, 2022. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh/File Photo
General view of hotels, banks and office buildings by the Nile River in Egypt, September 12, 2022. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh/File Photo

The General Secretariat of the Arab League's Social Affairs Sector, Culture and Dialogue of Civilizations Department has celebrated the World Arabic Language Day, established under the United Nation General Assembly Resolution 3190 of 1973.

The resolution has set December 18 as the annual World Arabic Language Day and recognized Arabic as one of the official and working languages of the UN.

The celebration included the participation of Deputy Secretary General of King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language Dr. Ibrahim Abanmi, along with heads of numerous Arab and regional organizations, leaders of Arab federations, academics, and experts in the field of Arabic language.

The event highlighted an important segment focused on the Arab strategy to promote the Arabic language, emphasizing its role as a symbol of Arab identity and a crucial tool for development. An action plan was also introduced to facilitate the achievement of these objectives.

This initiative follows a decision made by the UN Economic and Social Council in September, which instructed the general secretariat to refresh the strategy and its action plan in collaboration with various stakeholders. The goal is to adapt to global changes and address the ongoing challenges that the Arabic language and identity face today.
The celebration also included discussions on artificial intelligence and a focus on classical Arabic poetry.