Blast TV: Othello Retold

Synopsis: Television documentary about MOBO (Music of Black Origin) winner and hip hop artist Akala and his mission to explore the parallels between hip hop and Shakespeare. Together with 50 young Manchester-based MCs, musicians, dancers and visual artists Akala takes on the challenge to attempt to script and perform a hip hop version of Shakespeare’s Othello at the Lowry Theatre in Manchester in just two weeks. Narrated by Kojo.
Series: Blast TV
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Medium: Television
Technical information: Colour / Sound
Transmission details: 27 Nov 2009 at 05:00 (Channel: BBC2)
Duration: 60 mins

Theatre: The Lowry Theatre, Manchester
Theatre company: National YouthTheatre
Production type: Documentary/Educational/News
Plays: Othello
Subjects: Drama
Keywords: Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); teenagers; Amateur theatre; Hip Hop; Hip Hop Shakespeare Company

General: From the Blast website: "Blast is the place for teenagers to get creative. It provides access to mentors both online and in free events and workshops across the UK. With opportunities to showcase talent, enter competitions and get exclusive creative experiences such as work experience." http://www.bbc.co.uk/blast/ (accessed 24/06/2011)
History: Episode 4 of a four-part series on the BBC Blast project, showcasing up-and-coming creative talent.
Reviews: Source: BBC Programme Information http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00p4h9w (accessed 6/2011)

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