Shakespearean-inspired festivities as “This green plot shall be our stage.”
Birmingham’s First Folio’s unprecedented tour of community spaces and places as part of the Everything to Everybody Project culminates in a day of Shakespearean celebration on 21st October from 11am–4pm at Bullring & Grand Central.
Belonging to all the residents of Birmingham, this unique copy of the first collected edition of Shakespeare’s works turns 400 in November. The event offers a final opportunity for people to come and see it for themselves.
Here’s what you can expect, all for free, throughout the day:
First Folio on Display
11am–4pm
Birmingham’s copy of the First Folio is unique because it is the only one bought as part of a dedicated programme for improving people’s lives through culture and education. It was purchased in 1881 for all the people of Birmingham to access – no matter what their background, wealth or occupation. It is the first printed edition of Shakespeare’s collected plays. The First Folio Tour has visited 16 venues – from community spaces to libraries and heritage venues.
The Naturals: Shakespeare Begins!
10.30am–11.25am, 11.30am–12.25pm 12.30pm–1.25pm, 2.30pm–3.25pm, 3.30pm–4.25pm Starting point: Outside St Martin’s main entrance, Edgbaston Street, Birmingham B5 5BB.
Take a theatrical journey, in which the best bits of Shakespeare come to life around you!
Book here.
Stan’s Cafe: The Commentators
11am–4pm
Saying it as they see it, bringing their marathon commentary in celebration of the First Folio.
K’antu Ensemble
11.15am–11.55am, 1.30pm–2.10pm, 3.05pm–3.35pm
Join K’antu for three very special musical performances, with traditional dance demonstrations and an exciting chance to join in and be part of a mass dance yourself!
DESIblitz Bus
11am–4pm, St Martins Square
Visit the one-of-a-kind DESIblitz Truck Art Bus, featuring South Asian material from Birmingham’s Shakespeare collection.
DESIblitz: Translating Shakespeare
12:00am–12.20pm Abda Khan
1.10pm–1.20pm Shamin Azad (includes Dhol drumming)
2.50pm–3.00pm Sukhi Bart
As part of DESIblitz Literature Festival, leading South Asian performers and authors will translate famous Shakespearean speeches into Bengali, Punjabi and Urdu.
Ex Cathedra
11.05am–11.10am, 12.25pm–12.50pm, 2.20pm–2.45pm
Children and young people join Ex Cathedra to perform a new song – created together – inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Plus you can learn the song in a workshop during the afternoon.
Birmingham Rep’s Young Rep
12.55pm–1.05pm & 3.40pm–3.50pm
Expect dancing, drama and singing as Young Rep celebrate Birmingham’s Great Shakespeare Memorial Library and bring it to life on stage. Inspired by Midsummer Night’s Dream expect original music by company member Tyriq Baker and spoken word written by Kyron-Ellis Bryan.
Shakespeare’s First Folio at Bullring Birmingham is delivered in partnership with Bullring & Grand Central and produced by Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces. More information can be found here