Donmar Shakespeare Trilogy on the BBC

Julius Caesar, Sunday 17 June on BBC FOUR

The entire Trilogy – Julius Caesar, Henry IV and The Tempest – available on iPlayer following the broadcast.

Find out more about the making of the Trilogy here.

The Donmar’s all-female Shakespeare Trilogy, directed by Phyllida Lloyd will be made available across the UK from Sunday 17 June as part of the BBC’s Hear Her season. Beginning with the broadcast of the first in the Trilogy, Julius Caesar, on BBC FOUR, the entire Trilogy will then be available on iPlayer for six months.

Described by Susannah Clapp (Observer) ‘As one of the most important theatrical events of the past 20 years’, the Donmar Shakespeare Trilogy began in 2012 with an all-female production of Julius Caesar led by Dame Harriet Walter. Set in a women’s prison, the production asked the question, “Who owns Shakespeare?” Two further productions followed: Henry IV in 2014 and The Tempest in 2016, all featuring a diverse company of women. The Trilogy enthralled audiences in London and New York and was shared with women and girls in prisons and schools across the UK. The film versions were shot live in a specially built temporary theatre in King’s Cross in 2016, and now offer screen audiences a unique access to these ground-breaking productions.

Julius Caesar’s depiction of the catastrophic consequences of a political leader’s extension of his powers beyond the remit of the constitution could not be more timely.

Director PHYLLIDA LLOYD
Designer BUNNY CHRISTIE
Lighting Designer JAMES FARNCOMBE
Sound Designer TOM GIBBONS
Movement Director ANN YEE
Fight Director KATE WATERS
Video Designer DUNCAN McLEAN
Assistant Director OLA INCE
Casting Directors VICKY RICHARDSON and ALASTAIR COOMER CDG
Original Lighting Designer at the Donmar NEIL AUSTIN
Composer GARY YERSHON
Musical Director SHILOH COKE
Creative Associate HARRIET WALTER

In Henry IV, Shakespeare’s monumental history play travels to the heart of family, duty and country as it asks “What makes a king? What makes a father?”

The Tempest, the final instalment in the Trilogy, sees Harriet Walter takes on the role of Prospero, in Shakespeare’s evocation of the eternal struggle for liberation, morality and justice.