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Shakespeare from Kabul

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Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

21/07/2012

BBC HD - Shakespeare from Kabul

Following a group of actors' incredible journey to perform Shakespeare's plays in London.

From the National Theatre in Kabul to a dance school in India, the BBC follows different actors' incredible journey to perform Shakespeare's plays in London.

This is the story of a group of Afghan actors bringing a production of Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors to an international festival at London's Globe theatre.

Over 30 years of war have virtually destroyed Afghan theatre. Women can be harassed for performing on stage. Yet in just a few months the actors are expected to perform in front of an audience of thousands at one of the most prestigious theatres in the world.

The film starts with challenging auditions in the Afghan capital, caught in the grip of one of the worst winters of recent years. It follows the actors to rural India for rehearsals - safe from the security threats of Kabul but away from their friends and families. It ends with their triumphant and moving performance at the Globe. Facing an uncertain welcome on their return, the film gives real insight into the struggles and bravery of the actors determined to show the world a very different side to Afghanistan.

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