UN Movie Society: Shakespeare at the UN – In Celebration…

Shakespeare's literature is more than mere words on a page. It is a mirror held up to the values and aspirations of our shared humanity, echoing the very essence of the United Nations.  It resonates across languages and cultures. Shakespeare can connect us all: therefore, the excerpts will be performed through a multilingual, multicultural and multigenerational lens - featuring performances in some of the UN's official languages (including Chinese, French, and Spanish), by a 7-year-old, and even in sign-language. Opening the program, London's Royal Central School of Speech and Drama will present monologues focused on the UN's first pillar, "Peace and Security."  These monologues explore the actions and strategies of leaders during war and their consequences.  The program delves further into the UN's work through Shakespeare, showcasing themes including humanitarian aid and providing development assistance. We will be treated to a special performance of Sir Thomas More's speech on immigration by Adrian Lester CBE, from the Royal Shakespeare Company. The anthology will be concluded with a presentation from Shakespeare's Globe, featuring "All the World's a Stage."  Opening remarks will be delivered by H.E. Dame Barbara Woodward, DCMG, OBE, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations.  On this occasion, messages will be delivered Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE, Principal and CEO of The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey, Co-Artistic Directors of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Michelle Terry, Artistic Director of Shakespeare's Globe, and Michael Dobson, Director of the Shakespeare Institute. English Language Day at the UN is celebrated annually April 23rd, the date traditionally observed as both the birthday and date of death of William Shakespeare. As well as being the most famous playwright, who wrote in English, Shakespeare also had a huge impact on modern-day English.  Today, every one in four people in the world uses English. At the United Nations, English is one of the six official languages of the Organization.  As we embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of Shakespeare's timeless wisdom, the performances in "Shakespeare at the UN" aims to spark reflection, healing, and a renewed commitment to the noble ideals that bind us together as nations under the banner of the United Nations.  Founded at the United Nations Headquarters by Brenda Vongova, the UN Movie Society is committed to championing the goals and values of the United Nations through the universal language of motion pictures.