The Bard will headline the British Embassy Manila’s annual event—the Great British Festival—which will be held Feb. 26-28 at Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City.
One of the new attractions at this year’s festival is the Shakespeare Pavilion, which will house a series of events and performances that celebrate the life and works of one of the greatest and most influential literary figures in the world. (All activities at the Shakespeare Pavilion of the Great British Festival are open to the public. Admission is free.)
This truly great Briton was in his prime as a writer four centuries ago, but his global legacy lives on. William Shakespeare has inspired and influenced millions to this day, thanks to his supreme ability to capture the essence of the human condition that remains as vital and relevant in the 21st century as it was during his time.
To celebrate Shakespeare’s universal influence, audiences can participate in an exciting program of events and activities lined up across the globe around the life and legacy of this great Briton.
In Manila, budding artists can join the children’s theater workshop conducted by the Philippine Educational Theater Association (Peta). Others can take part in Everyday Shakespeare Talks by the Manila Shakespeare Company.
Everyone will enjoy excerpts of Peta’s highly lauded Shakespeare rap-musical “William” and “William Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits” by Word of Mouth Theatre, excerpts from “A Comedy of Errors” performed by British School Manila students and pocket live performances of “Romeo and Juliet,” “Twelfth Night” and “Julius Caesar” by Miriam College students.
Experience also Shakespeare’s “The Tempest Reimagined” at the festival.
Everyone is also invited to join the British Council’s “Play Your Part” by sharing favorite Shakespeare quotes through various online formats like 30-second videos and tweets, using the hashtag #PlayYourPart.
“The themes of Shakespeare’s works are timeless,” says British Ambassador Asif Ahmad. “Politics, romance, intrigue, comedy and tragedy are seen in many adaptations in films, music, opera, literature and animation. Shakespeare has always been accessible. You don’t have to be a Literature or English major to understand and enjoy Shakespeare. You can catch three days of the Bard at the Great British Festival—so say yes to the question ‘to be or not to be?’ Be there.
“Better yet, visit Britain and immerse yourself in our rich culture and heritage. The Shakespeare Company has begun a run of all 36 Shakespeare plays, to be performed over the next five years. You can watch performances at Shakespeare’s Globe, a replica of the original Elizabethan theater. Or visit one of over 2,500 museums, most for free. Britain is one of the most exciting and thriving cultural destinations in the world. We offer a captivating blend of old and new, avant-garde and traditional, with a vast range of attractions and experiences free to enjoy.”
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