Shakespeare: Rise of a Genius on ABC – For the 400th anniversary of the publication of William Shakespeare’s first folio, this three-part docu-drama series tells the incredible story of how a glover’s son from rural Stratford became the greatest writer who ever lived.
Deep diving into his life story, the place and time he inhabited and the work he produced, this series reveals a dangerous and exciting world that sparked and inspired Shakespeare’s creative genius.
Cinematic drama vignettes depict Shakespeare’s life, while a host of surprising and engaging storytellers narrate the series. Interviews include Oscar winning actors, experts and academics, featuring the likes of Brian Cox, Judi Dench, Lolita Chakrabarti, Jessie Buckley, Gordon Brown, Adrian Lester, Helen Mirren and Martin Freeman.
Tracing Shakespeare’s life story, each episode reveals the multifarious ways the things Shakespeare saw, the people he met and the world he absorbed found its way into his work.
To bring his plays to life, interspersed throughout the series is archive of some of the world’s best screen adaptations.
Told in the present tense, like a thriller, the series captures the story of how a young boy, against all-of-the-odds, became the world’s most famous and enduring dramatist ever.
In this episode, a 30-year-old Shakespeare is at the top of his game: he’s got a job at England’s best theatre company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men and the money is rolling in.
Determined to restore his family’s reputation, Shakespeare works harder than ever, producing hit after hit: Midsummer Night’s Dream, Henry IV and Julius Caesar. But as his star rises, a series of tragedies strike. Shakespeare’s life, purpose and family is thrown into chaos, and he begins to question: is this new life worth the sacrifice?
Production credit: ALL3MEDIA International Ltd
Shakespeare: Rise of a Genius on ABC and ABC iview – Tuesday 16 April, 2024 at 9.30pm
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