Arts & Ideas Folgen

Matthew Sweet talks to Peter Brook. The theatre director has had a lifelong relationship with Shakespeare which he has explored in his productions of plays including A Midsummer Night's Dream, King Lear and Hamlet starring actors such as Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud and Paul Scofield. He discusses his new book of essays reflecting on the playwright, The Quality of Mercy.

With Samira Ahmed. Sarah Churchwell and Kevin Jackson discuss the Great Gatsby as a new film, directed by Baz Luhrmann is released. Samira talks to the Indian architect Charles Correa about how he attempts to marry modernism with concern for local meaning in his work. And Samira is joined by historian and blogger Tim Stanley, the historian of Communism Robert Service, and the leader of the Green Party Natalie Bennett to discuss political movements.

Matthew Sweet visits Tate Britain’s unveiling of a comprehensive new vision of its permanent collection. Thematic presentation gives way to strict chronology. Susannah Clapp gives a first night review of Public Enemy, a new production of Ibsen's play about corruption and the nature of the public good. New research has revealed only a very small percentage of the population has made plans for the end of their lives. Matthew and guests discuss the idea of the good death. F R Leavis’ spirit has been summoned to the discussion table in the recent wranglings about what should be taught to children in schools. David Ellis, who studied with, and the novelist Margaret Drabble discuss his influence and reputation.