Dr. Ismail Serageldin is a lover of literature , and has always liked Shakespeare, finding in him a multi-layered complexity that speaks to us beyond the beauty of words and the power of the poetry.
Being a great admirer of the genius of Shakespeare, he decided, that as a trend, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, would hold an Annual Shakespeare Conference to discuss and analyze one or more of his plays and the different facets of the characters.
In his creations Shakespeare continues to intrigue and beguile us by not being completely determined, by having that element of contradiction that not only surprises but also opens up the possibility for further and novel interpretations.
In Richard II we observe the craftsmanship and mastery of language that this great poet and dramatist possessed. Shakespeare could indeed see the feet of clay in his mighty heroes, and never lost sight of the human dimension of historical dramas. He also recognized the humanity that is in the frailty of his weaker heroes.
Dr Serageldin was requested by many to record these lectures and make them available. Accordingly, he has re-read Richard II at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina Studio, in Alexandria, Egypt, 19 September 2013.