RSC hosts free open air film festival in August 2007
11 July 2007
This August the Royal Shakespeare Company will be hosting its second open air film festival on Stratford-upon-Avon Recreation Ground.
Following on from the success of last year’s event, Shakespeare on Film, will offer a season of Shakespeare-inspired movies on Saturday and Sunday evenings between Saturday 18 and Sunday 26 August. All films will be shown on a big screen, starting at 9pm. Entrance is free.
Rachael Barber, RSC Outdoor Programmes Coordinator, said:
“Last year’s outdoor film programme was part of the RSC’s Complete Works Festival. It proved so popular that we’re delighted to be bringing it back. With a selection that includes modern interpretations, musical versions and international adaptations of Shakespeare’s work, there’s plenty to please everyone. So bring your own seats, a rug and a picnic and enjoy!”
The programme
Saturday 18 August
Love’s Labour’s Lost, 90 minutes, 2000 (Certificate U)
Kenneth Branagh directs and stars alongside Alicia Silverstone, Nathan Lane, Geraldine McEwan and Timothy Spall. Set on the eve of World War Two and filled with vintage pop songs, this tale of four friends who forswear love in a charming romp.
Sunday 19 August
Omkara, 152 minutes, 2006 (Certificate 12)
Othello goes Bollywood, adapted and directed by Vishal Bharadwaj following the success of Maqbool, his version of Macbeth. The disturbing story of one man’s sexual jealousy is relocated to the heartland of India. In Hindi with English subtitles.
Saturday 25 August
West Side Story, 145 minutes, 1961 (Certificate PG)
The combination of Leonard Bernstein’s score, Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics and Jerome Robbins’ choreography rendered West Side Story an instant and eternal classic, setting Romeo and Juliet in New York’s gangland and winning ten Oscars.
Sunday 26 August
My Own Private Idaho, 100 minutes, 1991 (Certificate 15)
River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves play two hustlers living on the streets, one a down-and-out, the other from a respectable family. This road movie masterpiece, a tale of friendship and love, was inspired by Shakespeare’s Henry IV.
The film festival is presented by arrangement with Stratford District Council.
Further information
For more information, please contact:
Dean Asker
RSC Press Office
01789 412660
dean.asker@rsc.org.uk
Images of West Side Story are available on request from the RSC Press Office.
