In the year in which the RSC marks the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, Well Said!, a free, family-friendly exhibition will celebrate some of the most famous lines in the English language. Renowned author Margaret Atwood, award-winning playwright Tanika Gupta MBE, comedian, writer and actor Russell Kane, and forthcoming RSC Hamlet lead Paapa Essiedu are among 12 eminent writers, actors and poets who have shared their favourite Shakespeare quotes with the RSC.
These quotes, from Shakespeare’s comedies, tragedies, histories and poetry, will be transformed into a range of artworks by some of the UK’s most talented contemporary artists and craftspeople.
The exhibition will present work from illustrator Jonny Hannah, sound artist James Bulley, letterpress company Harrington & Squires, lettering sculptor Gary Breeze, graphics studio An Endless Supply, and seven other accomplished artists, all inspired by the words of Shakespeare.
Doc Brown, who selected the quote ‘The course of true love never did run smooth’ from A Midsummer Night’s Dream said of his choice: “Shakespeare had an uncanny knack for blending the profound with the relatable and this is one of the greater examples.” The quote will be visually transformed by hand-painted sign makers The Brilliant Sign Company. Among the works displayed will be a two-minute British Sign Language film by Deafinitely Theatre inspired by Sonnet 30; a stone sphere carved by Gary Breeze inspired by a quote from Hamlet; and a crown inscribed with Islamic calligraphy by Soraya Syed inspired by a quote from Henry IV part II.
The free exhibition will be open daily from 10am in the PACCAR Room in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, from March 19 2016 until September 18 2016.
