Shakespeare Lives in Mauritius

The British High Commission and the British Council are pleased to announce ‘Shakespeare Lives’, a major global programme celebrating Shakespeare’s works and his influence on culture, education and society on the 400th anniversary of his death. An extensive programme of activities is planned to mark this global event.

Shakespeare is one of the UK’s greatest icons - 400 years after his death, his works continue to thrill audiences of all ages right across the world, and are a source of inspiration for film directors, writers, artists and more. He is one of the most enduring examples of cultural impact and relations. His works have not only inspired the broadest range of artistic endeavour and motivated political change but also given people from all walks of life a platform for self-expression through the genius of his language. ‘Shakespeare Lives’ will not only explore his global legacy but also continue to demonstrate how his stories, themes and language are relevant in the modern world and must remain central to the lives of future generations.

‘Shakespeare Lives’ is possible due to the unprecedented number of partnerships and collaborations between the British Council, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the GREAT Britiain Campaign and partners and organisations including the BBC, the BFI , the National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Shakespeare 400 Consortium, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and Shakespeare’s Globe. In Mauritius we are grateful for the support of HSBC, Immedia, the English Speaking Union, Star Cinemas and the Flying Dodo Brewing Company.

From a unique online collaboration to performaces on stage and film, exhibitions, public readings, conversations and debates and educational resources for classrooms and English language learners, people around the world in over 140 countries and of all ages will have the chance to actively participate and get involved throughout the year.

Working with a range of partners, the British High Commission and the British Council is inviting Mauritius to rediscover and celebrate the extent of his global impact through ‘Shakespeare Lives in Mauritius’. The programme will include:

Two performances of Hamlet by the UK’s Globe Threatre on 22 january 2016 at 11.30 and 20.00 at the MGI, Moka;

A film festival hosted by star cinemas in february/amrch 2016;

A photo competition running until march 31 2016 for children;

‘Play Your Part’, a global digital initiative inviting people to submit a creative piece illustrating their favourite shakespeare quote.

High Commissioner Jonathan Drew and British Council Director Tris Bartlett jointly said:

“it is with pleasure that we launch ‘Shakespeare Lives in Mauritius’. This is a great opportunity to showcase the work from one of the world’s greatest writers and to engage creatively with Mauritians to celebrate the Bard’s life and works. It is our sincere hope that ‘Shakespeare Lives in Mauritius’ will inspire many mauritians in their own creative activities and will enrich the cultural relationship between the UK and Mauritius.