Exploring English:
Shakespeare

WEEK 1: SHAKESPEARE AND HIS WORLD

STEP 1.1: INTRODUCTION

TRANSCRIPT
ANTHONY COSGROVE Welcome to this Exploring English course on the life and
work of William Shakespeare. Iʼm Anthony Cosgrove, your tutor on this course, and Iʼm in
the house in Stratford-upon-Avon where William Shakespeare was born.

In the next six weeks, youʼll learn about some of Shakespeareʼs greatest plays, including
Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet. Youʼll hear from well-known Shakespearean actors, who
will tell us what they love about his plays, and what itʼs like to perform them in some of
the greatest theatres in the world.

Weʼll explore how the work of Shakespeare is enjoyed all around the world even today,
400 years after his death. And weʼll see how Shakespeare has influenced the English we
speak today.

We hope you enjoy learning with us, and that youʼll share your views and ideas with us
and with other learners around the world throughout the course.

Exploring English: Shakespeare

© British Council 2015