The current version has been condensed into a play of about four hours in a co-production between the Edinburgh Festival and the Abbey Theatre of Dublin (which, we are reminded in a programme note, is the Irish National Theatre).

ECONOMIST: The stage of nations

Now in its 65th year, the international festival presents a rich programme of classical music, theatre, opera and dance in six major theatres and concert halls and a number of smaller venues.

BBC: king lear

Mr Morris said the theory that there is an audience for the theatre in Bristol had been borne out by continued attendance at a programme of events during renovations.

BBC: Bristol Old Vic revamp uncovers secrets

National Theatre director Sir Nicholas Hytner said that the NT was planning a bigger screening programme over the next year - including his own production of Hamlet.

BBC: Live screening 'good for theatre'

And the open-air Globe theatre on the South Bank will stage a six-week, Babel-flouting programme of all 37 plays in 37 different languages, beginning on April 23rd (Shakespeare's birthday).

ECONOMIST: Culture

To address this, the Gates Foundation has sponsored a programme called Women Accessing Realigned Markets (Warm), which uses community theatre to overcome the challenge of illiteracy and vocalise the issues they face.

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The new music talent continues elsewhere in the MIF programme with a return of DJ and author Dave Haslam's True Faith series at the central Pavilion Theatre in Albert Square.

BBC: Wu Lyf top Manchester International Festival's new music