Macbeth and Things Fall Apart
Norwegian crime writer Jo NesbΓΈ on his novel based on Macbeth and playwright Mark Ravenhill on why the play doesn't work onstage and rereading Chinua Achebe's 1958 novel.
Norwegian crime writer Jo NesbΓΈ on his novel based on Macbeth; playwright Mark Ravenhill on why the play rarely works on stage, James Shapiro on the contemporary events which shaped it and Emma Whipday on the elements that Shakespeare borrowed from 16th century domestic dramas. Plus Ellah Wakatama Allfrey on rereading Chinua Achebe's 1958 novel and the echoes of Macbeth she found there. Presented by Shahidha Bari
A 60th anniversary reading of Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe and abridged by Ellah Wakatama Allfrey, Publishing Director at The Indigo Press, is taking place at London's Southbank Centre in the Queen Elizabeth Hall on April 15th, with readers including Lucian Msamati, Chibundu Onuzo, Margaret Busby and Olu Jacobs.
Jo NesbΓΈ's Macbeth is published now and the plot summary reads: When a drug bust turns into a bloodbath it's up to Inspector Macbeth and his team to clean up the mess. He's also an ex-drug addict with a troubled past.
Macbeth - starring Rory Kinnear and Anne-Marie Duff - is on stage at London's National Theatre until June 23rd and will be broadcast live to cinemas on 10 May.
It's also at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon - starring Christopher Eccleston and Niamh Cusack - until September 18th and will transfer to London between Oct 15th and Jan 18th 2019.
Mark Bruce Company are on tour with their dance-theatre version visiting Ipswich, Blackpool, Exeter, Salisbury and Milton Keynes.
Macbeth directed by Kit Monkman is in cinemas around the UK.
Producer: Torquil MacLeod.
Last on
More episodes
Previous
Next
Podcast: Macbeth and Things Fall Apart
Jo NesbΓΈ and Mark Ravenhill on the Scottish Play; Chinua Achebe's novel about leadership.
Free Thinking explores Shakespeare
Leading scholars, insights from actors and directors and new research into the Bard.
Broadcast
- Wed 11 Apr 2018 22:00Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3
Featured in...
100 novels that shaped our world—Free Thinking
Free Thinking explores the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's 100 novels that shaped our world.
Shakespeare—Free Thinking
Leading scholars, insights from actors and directors and new research into the Bard.
Arts
Creativity, performance, debate
Discussions and talks from the Free Thinking Festival 2019
Click to listen to discussions, talks and music as the Free Thinking Festival 2019 Gets Emotional
CLICK to LISTEN & SEE programmes from the Free Thinking Festival 2018: The One & the Many
CLICK to LISTEN & SEE all programmes, images, clips & features from 2017's festival
Free Thinking Festival 2017: The Speed of Life