Shakespeare On the Estate

Overview

Award-winning documentary in which theatre director Michael Bogdanov tries to persuade residents of a Birmingham estate to perform the Bard. After initial indifference, in three weeks he builds a company of enthusiastic amateur actors whose performances of scenes from the plays are riveting. Here's a thuggish Caliban, a black Shylock full of conviction, and exuberant gang members from Romeo and Juliet. It's only a temporary triumph, but it does demonstrate the power and appeal of Shakespeare, and you wonder at the talent going to waste.