Media release: Friday April 1, 2016 FOXTEL ARTS CELEBRATES WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S 400 YEAR LEGACY IN APRIL
Foxtel Arts, Foxtel’s High Definition dedicated arts channel commemorates the prolific playwright William Shakespeare throughout the month of April dedicating its programming to the extraordinary world and works of The Bard and their still vivid impact today, 400 years after his death. Foxtel Arts continues to bring extraordinary experiences in Australian arts and the world’s finest performing artists from the greatest opera houses, concert halls and festival stages and, this month, the channel celebrates the legacy of Shakespeare with 16 live recorded performances of Shakespeare’s best works from the iconic Globe Theatre, London airing Sunday to Wednesday evenings at 8.30pm throughout April.
Foxtel Arts’ presenter Leo Schofield hosts all 16 Shakespeare Globe Theatre performances from this Sunday April 3 featuring a raft of Royal Shakespeare Company alumni and showcasing the best of Shakespeare's comedies, tragedies and historical plays including Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Love Labour's Lost, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Othello and Twelfth Night featuring an all-male cast including Stephen Fry as Malvolio, Sunday April 10 at 8.30pm.
Shakespeare Uncovered, an extraordinary six-part documentary series combines new analysis of some of Shakespeare’s most famous works with the personal passion of the actors who have starred in them. Interviews with directors, actors and scholars are combined with clips from some of the most celebrated productions to offer a captivating insight for both those new to Shakespeare and those familiar with his plays. The series also features clips from some of the most celebrated productions and excerpts from the plays especially rehearsed and performed at Shakespeare’s Globe.
By combining fascinating personal insights with detailed analysis these films investigate and reveal the extraordinary world and works of Shakespeare, how they have survived over the 400 years and their impact today in a fresh and exciting way.
Shakespeare in Love actor Joseph Fiennes investigates how Romeo and Juliet came to be Shakespeare’s most famous play. He meets writer and critic Bonnie Greer to discuss the play’s remarkable heroine and talks to theatre director Dominic Dromgoole about the play’s enduring appeal. Shakespeare Uncovered- Romeo and Juliet, Sunday April 3 at 7.30pm.
Homeland star David Harewood, the first black actor to play the lead role at the National theatre in London, explores the complexities and contradictions of Othello which is arguably the tightest piece of thriller writing in Shakespeare’s body of work. Shakespeare Uncovered - Othello, Monday April 4 at 7.30pm.
Sex and the City star Kim Cattrall who has played Cleopatra on two occasions explores the truths and myths behind the real Cleopatra and how Shakespeare helped to define the Hollywood version of her that we know today.Shakespeare Uncovered - Antony and Cleopatra, Tuesday April 12 at 7.20pm.
Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville who began his career as an understudy for Ralph Fiennes in "A Midsummer Night's Dream", the most magical of Shakespeare’s comedies, reflects on the play's enduring appeal with Fiennes, David Walliams and Sheridan Smith. Shakespeare Uncovered - A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Sunday April 17 at 7.30pm.
Morgan Freeman investigates the role of Petruchio in The Taming of the Shrew, a part he played 1990, and explores the origin and the legacy, of Shakespeare’s most notorious comedy. Shakespeare Uncovered - The Taming of the Shrew, Monday April 18 at 7.30pm.
Veteran actor Christopher Plummer who first played the title role in 2002 under the direction of Jonathan Miller, delves into one of the greatest tragedies King Lear. Exploring the power and ethics of authority, King Lear is considered to be one of the most penetrating plays of the human psyche ever written. Shakespeare Uncovered - King Lear, Tuesday April 26 at 7.20pm.
A 400 year legacy in a month long celebration. Shakespeare 400 only on Foxtel Arts. Foxtel Arts – throughout the week you will find your story, find your vision, find your beat, and find your self on Foxtel Arts, Channel 133. www.foxtelarts.com.au
For more information: Foxtel Publicity- Victoria Richards [email protected] +61 2 9813 7439 +61 (0) 418 630 100
About Foxtel Foxtel is one of Australia’s most progressive and dynamic media companies, directly employing around 2,800 people and delivering a diverse subscription television service over cable, satellite and broadband distribution. We offer a better entertainment experience every day to each one of our 2.8 million subscribing homes through delivery of new and inspiring programming across all genres, the world’s most popular channel brands, and investment in high quality local content. As constant champions of innovation we have brought customers the iQ personal digital recorder, Australia’s largest HD offering, the Foxtel Go App for tablets and mobile devices, internet TV service, Foxtel Play, subscription on demand (SVOD) entertainment service, Presto and television, broadband and home phone bundles with Foxtel internet and voice services delivered over Australia’s largest telecommunications network. Foxtel is owned by Telstra Corporation Limited ACN 051 775 556 (50%) and News Corporation (50%). foxtel.com.au
Foxtel Arts April programming information below
SHAKESPEARE 400 FOXTEL ARTS PROGRAMMING
Please note the broadcast details of the programs in this document are correct at the time of sending, if you have a specific program query please contact the publicist listed. Shakespeare Uncovered - Romeo and Juliet with Joseph Fiennes Sunday April 3 at 7.30pm • Only on Foxtel • Available on Foxtel Anytime Joseph Fiennes examines "Romeo and Juliet" and it’s many permutations, including Royal Ballet productions; "West Side Story" and other musicals; and Baz Luhrmann's cinematic re- imagining of the play. Included are remarks from Orlando Bloom, Condola Rashad and Stephen Sondheim.
Romeo and Juliet Sunday April 3 at 8.30pm • Only on Foxtel • Available on Foxtel Anytime Stars Holly Atkins of The Bill and Adetomiva Edun of Merlin. (2hrs 50min)
Othello Monday April 4 at 8.30pm • Only on Foxtel • Available on Foxtel Anytime Stars Eamon Walker of Chicago Fire and Tim McInnerny from Black Adder as Lord Percy Percy. (3hrs)
Shakespeare Uncovered - Othello with David Harewood Monday April 4 at 7.30pm • Only on Foxtel • Available on Foxtel Anytime David Harewood, who in 1997 became the first black actor to star as Othello at London's National Theatre, explores the issues raised in the play; and interviews Adrian Lester, Simon Russell Beale, Ian McKellen, Julia Stiles and Patrick Stewart.
Macbeth Tuesday April 5 at 8.30pm • Only on Foxtel • Available on Foxtel Anytime Stars Samantha Spiro of London Spy and Joseph Millson of Banished. (2hrs 20min)
All’s Well That Ends Well Wednesday April 6 at 8.30pm • Only on Foxtel • Available on Foxtel Anytime Stars Ellie Piercy of Brothers of War, Colin Hurley of David Copperfield and Janie Dee of London’s Burning. (2hrs 20min)
Twelfth Night Sunday April 10 at 8.30pm • Only on Foxtel • Available on Foxtel Anytime Stars Stephen Fry, Paul Chahidi of Casualty and Samuel Barnett of Not Safe for Work. (2hrs 55min)
The Merry Wives of Windsor Monday April 11 at 8.30pm • Only on Foxtel • Available on Foxtel Anytime Stars Sarah Woodward of The Politician’s Husband, Serena Evans of The Thin Blue Line and Christopher Benjamin of Judge John Deed. (2hrs 20min)
Shakespeare Uncovered - Antony and Cleopatra with Kim Cattrall Tuesday April 12 at 7.20pm • Only on Foxtel • Available on Foxtel Anytime A look at "Antony and Cleopatra" with Kim Cattrall, who has twice played Cleopatra and meets Janet Suzman, Harriet Walter and Vanessa Redgrave, who have also starred as the Egyptian queen; and visits Rome in search of possible inspirations for the play.
As You Like It Tuesday April 12 at 8.30pm • Only on Foxtel • Available on Foxtel Anytime- Stars Naomi Frederick of My Family, Jack Laskey of Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens and Michael Benz of Mike and Angelo. (2hrs 30min)
Love’s Labours Lost Wednesday April 13 at 8.30pm • Only on Foxtel • Available on Foxtel Anytime Stars Gemma Arterton of Quantum of Solace and Jade Anouka of Doctor Who. (2hrs 50min)
Shakespeare Uncovered - A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Hugh Bonneville Sunday April 17 at 7.30pm • Only on Foxtel • Available on Foxtel Anytime Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey’s Robert Crawley), who began his career as an understudy for Ralph Fiennes in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Open Air Theatre in London's Regent's Park, reflecting on the play's enduring appeal with Fiennes, David Walliams and Sheridan Smith.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Sunday April 17 at 8.30pm • Only on Foxtel • Available on Foxtel Anytime- Stars Fergal McElherron of Charlie, Huss Garbiya of The Bill and John Light of Father Brown.
Shakespeare Uncovered - The Taming of the Shrew with Morgan Freeman Monday April 18 at 7.30pm • Only on Foxtel • Available on Foxtel Anytime Morgan Freeman investigates "The Taming of the Shrew." and talks with Tracey Ullman, who starred with him a 1990 Shakespeare in the Park production that set the story in the Old West. Morgan also chats with Sinead Cusack and Julia Stiles.
The Taming of the Shrew Monday April 18 at 8.30pm • Only on Foxtel • Available on Foxtel Anytime- Stars Kate Lamb of Call The Midwife and Leah Whitaker of Whitechapel.
The Tempest Tuesday April 19 at 8.30pm • Only on Foxtel • Available on Foxtel Anytime- Stars James Garnon of Foyle’s War, Jessie Buckley of War & Peace and Roger Allam of Les Miserable (1985).
Much Ado About Nothing Wednesday April 20 at 8.30pm • Only on Foxtel • Available on Foxtel Anytime- Stars Charles Edwards of Downtown Abbey and Eve Best of Nurse Jackie.
Henry IV: Part I Sunday April 24 at 8.30pm • Only on Foxtel • Available on Foxtel Anytime- Stars Roger Allam of The Queen, Jamie Parker of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrel and Jason Baughan of Doctors.
Henry IV: Part II Monday April 25 at 8.30pm • Only on Foxtel • Available on Foxtel Anytime- Stars Roger Allam of The Queen, Jamie Parker of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrel and Jason Baughan of Doctors.
Shakespeare Uncovered - King Lear with Christopher Plummer Tuesday April 26 at 7.20pm • Only on Foxtel • Available on Foxtel Anytime A look at "King Lear" with Christopher Plummer, who first played the title role in 2002 under the direction of Jonathan Miller. He explores how the play may have been staged in Shakespeare's time; and talks about playing the king with Ian McKellen and Simon Russell Beale.
Henry V Tuesday April 26 at 8.30pm • Only on Foxtel • Available on Foxtel Anytime- Stars Jamie Parker of Valkyrie, Brid Brennan of The Escape Artist and Graham Butler of Penny Dreadful.
Henry VIII Wednesday April 27 at 8.30pm • Only on Foxtel • Available on Foxtel Anytime- Stars Michael Bertenshaw of EastEnders and John Cummins of The Hour.