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What is Afro-Futurism and what does it bring to the Bard? Radio 4 follows the creative team in the build-up to the first performances of director Roy Alexander-Weise's RSC debut with Shakespeare鈥檚 beloved comedy Much Ado About Nothing, in the first shows with a live audience at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon since the pandemic began.

Two very different couples fall in love in Much Ado About Nothing, amidst a maze of misunderstandings and deception. In this ground-breaking production, Beatrice and Benedick bicker on an Afro-Futurist stage. 鈥淪hakespeare knew the creative potential that came with setting his plays in imagined worlds鈥� or at least worlds unfamiliar to his audience at the time,鈥� Roy says. 鈥淚 wanted to explore what a futuristic vision of society might look like; what has the potential to be different... and equally what fundamental aspects of the human condition remain unchanged.鈥�

To realise his vision, the co-Artistic Director of the Royal Exchange Theatre has assembled a largely Black cast and team of creatives. With contributions from MOBO nominee Femi Tomowo who's composing the music, and costume designer and Beyonce favourite Melissa Simon-Hartman, we follow the team as they draw on their African heritage, projecting it forward to opening night and beyond.

Producer: Marilyn Rust for 成人论坛 Wales