British actor Ian McKellen Will Visit Moscow

Love the Bard and live in Moscow? British actor Ian McKellen will visit Moscow as a Part of the “Shakespeare Lives” celebration.

Festivities to mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death continue this week as the British Council opens its Midsummer Nights Festival in the capital.

Part of the “Shakespeare Lives” celebration, which aims to promote the life and works of Shakespeare, the festival features a rich program of educational lectures, talks from distinguished Shakespearean scholars and a film program showing adaptations of the playwright’s works.

One of the highlights of the festival will be a visit from British actor Ian McKellen. On Wednesday McKellen will speak about his illustrious career performing Shakespeare and present his solo show “Shakespeare, on Stage, Screen and Elsewhere” at the Gogol Center Theater.

Thespian cinephiles can also enjoy film versions of Shakespeare’s most renowned works at the Muzeon Arts Park summer cinema.

As part of the educational program there will be a series of lectures on the historical and cultural context of Shakespeare’s most popular works. Speakers include Dr. Daniel Rosenthal, who will examine the global history and implications of Shakespeare screen adaptations.

Topping off the week, fashion historian, broadcaster and associate lecturer at London College of Fashion, Amber Butchart, will be speaking on how clothing from Shakespeare’s work has inspired some of today’s top moguls in the industry.