Ian Peforms Shakespeare Speech from the Book of Thomas More

I already had great respect for Sir Ian and have always enjoyed his performances, but my regard for him shot up even farther when I saw him perform this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffCl8jPTgmQ


I actually saw a more formal version on the "Shakespeare Live" special on my local PBS station, but this clip still gets the point across. Achingly relevant to the world today and beautifully read. The Book of Sir Thomas More is a collaboration between Shakespeare and several other playwrights and the manuscript, which you can look up online at the British Library, shows one of the *very* few remaining examples of what they think is William Shakespeare's handwriting.

Also, just have to say that if you are fond of the Bard, "Shakespeare Live" is worth trying to find. I hope it's on video or online somewhere. It was an event on April 23, 2016, celebrating the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death and also his likely birthday. David Tennant and Catherine Tate host, and there's an incredible array of performances from McKellen, John Lithgow, Harriet Walter, Rufus Wainwright, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dames Helen Mirren and Judi Dench ("the immortal dame"), David Suchet, and others. Everything from "To be or Not to Be" to "Kiss me Kate" and Shakespearean rap: a real feast for admirers of the English theatre or art lovers in general.


I hope someone out there enjoys this, and happy holidays to all.


Om Shanti