Shake Up

A series of short videos on identity and social justice created in lockdown by marginalised artists

Shakesqueer by Edalia Day

In this thoughtful, cheeky and moving poem, Edalia Day explores the queerness of Shakespeare, the impact of Section 28, and the freedom of theatre and performance.

Shakesqueer by Edalia Day - audio described

Shakesqueer by Edalia Day - captioned

Edalia is a transgender artist, animator, poet and theatremaker.

Find out more about Edalia’s work.

The Question by Damien James

A powerful blend of lyrical rap and Shakespeare by Damien James, who explores how isolation affects mental health. Strong language, references to racism and suicide, presence of a knife.

The Question by Damien James - audio described

The Question by Damien James - captioned

Damien is a mixed heritage actor-musician who graduated from Rose Bruford College in 2020.

Find out more about Damien’s work.

Shakespeare on Shelford Road by Karen Spicer

Karen Spicer explores Shakespeare with her mum and friends in Gedling, a former mining town near Nottingham where Karen grew up believing that Shakespeare wasn’t for her.

Shelford Road by Karen Spicer - audio described

Shelford Road by Karen Spicer - captioned

Karen is a working-class theatremaker, creative enabler and access support worker.

Find out more about Karen's work.

Here / There by JD Stewart

JD Stewart gives a poetic afterlife of tragic longing to Romeo’s close friend Mercutio, killed by Juliet’s cousin in Shakespeare’s play. References to violence and death.

Here / There by JD Stewart - audio described

Here / There by JD Stewart - captioned

Based in the North East of England, JD is a gay Scottish writer for theatre, television and film.

Find out more about JD's work.

Samlet by Sam Beckett Jr

In this passionate mashup of Shakespeare and prayer, Sam Beckett Jr remembers trans people of colour who have been attacked or killed. References to racism, transphobia and death.

Samlet by Sam Beckett Jr - audio described

Samlet by Sam Beckett Jr - captioned

Sam is a queer theatremaker and creative leader whose nationality and ethnicity are mixed.

Find out more about Sam's work.

Speak of Me by Sahera Khan

Sahera Khan draws on her own experiences to reflect on identity, social injustice and quotes from Shakespeare that really speak to her. Sahera performs in British Sign Language.

Speak of Me by Sahera Khan - audio described

Speak of Me by Sahera Khan - captioned

Sahera is a Deaf Muslim actor, artist and activist based in London.

Find out more about Sahera's work.

Shylock by Benjamin Victor

Bringing together memories of childhood and text by Shakespeare, Benjamin Victor speaks the words of Shylock from The Merchant of Venice in the synagogue where he grew up.

Shylock by Benjamin Victor - audio described

Shylock by Benjamin Victor - captioned

Benjamin is a Jewish actor, singer and writer based in London.

Find out more about Benjamin's work.