On film: A fascination with Sir William Shakespeare

There’s no corner of the globe that went unexplored by the English poet, playwright and actor Sir William Shakespeare, in his lifetime. Yet, when all the world’s a stage for the person widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s greatest dramatist, what happens when your play ends? That’s a question the great British actor and Academy Award nominee Kenneth Branagh, who has been fascinated with the life of Shakespeare since his teens, attempts to answer.

With the upcoming Sony Classics theatrical release of “All is True,” which Branagh produced and directed as well as shared screenwriting credits with Ben Elton, he gets to play Shakespeare in all of the Bard’s multi-faceted and complex rendering. And, let’s be honest, Branagh is convincing as a middle-aged Shakespeare in the final years of his life. He was just 52 when he died in 1616.

“I’ve never let the truth get in the way of a good story,” Branagh as Shakespeare says, staring directly at the camera. However, as we learn, “If you’re honest with yourself and whatever you write, all is true.”

“All is True” is set after Shakespeare returns a distraught man to Stratford following the devastating 1613 fire that destroys the Globe Theatre during the first production of his “All is True” (“Life of Henry VIII”). At home with his family, wife Anne (Academy Award winner Judi Dench) and daughters Judith (Kathryn Wilder) and Susanna (Lydia Wilson), Branagh’s Shakespeare attempts to ease his grief, both from the fire and the death at age 11 of his only son, Hamnet (Sam Ellis), by planting a memorial garden. 

Through out the 101-minute film, which I saw a sneak preview of last Sunday in Washington, D.C., we see the many sides of Shakespeare as a human being: multi-faceted, complex, kind. He was an individual with great creative strength – after all he was a great and prolific writer – but we see him as a very flawed individual, too, as he deals with reconciliation and mortality. For all his proclivity – 39 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems and a few other verses – and for all of his lofty and noble wisdom in his writing, we witness Shakespeare’s struggles as a husband and father at home, trying to apply the same insights that made his writing so prolific in his own life.

As an aside, imagine the opportunity to play opposite those whom you respect. There’s the potential to be intimidating. Yet, Branagh, along with Dench and Academy Award nominee Ian McKellen, show us how acting works through nuance and with just the right tone of voice. “All is True” is a Shakespearean labor of love – filled with great dialogue and conversation between Branagh and Dench as well as the all-to-brief scene featuring Branagh and McKellen as the Earl of Southampton – and we get to see and enjoy arguably the greatest Shakespearean actors of our lifetime all in one film. Each shows us how acting works. 

“All is True” is an meant to be a gentle elegy about the end of Shakespeare’s life. Along with the early and buoyant years that “Shakespeare in Love” showed us, “All is True” serves as a worthy bookend. By the conclusion of the film, we realize that Shakespeare truly has lived a remarkable life.

On music: Five songs worth hearing this week

Discovering new music provides me with much joy – a moment of zen, maybe? – and listening to good music is a blissful, aural pleasure. Today, there’s so many different avenues for discovery, including Spotify, NPR Music, and through binge-watching shows on Netflix – even conventional FM radio. Never underestimate the value of your Shazam app to help identify new sounds, too.

Whether you’re still digging out of a winter storm or have already escaped to a sunny, warm beach on a Caribbean island, here are five songs I’ve recently discovered – some through serendipity – that are worth adding to your playlist:

1. Zero 7 - “Aurora,” featuring vocalist José González.

Famous for their downbeat jazzy rhythms, Zero 7 returns with a new single, “Aurora,” featuring Swedish vocal contributor José González. I’ve been a longtime fan of this European electronica duo, which helped launch the solo careers of not only González, but also Sía and Tina Dico.

2. Hatchie - “Without A Blush”

Stereogum described Hatchie’s music as a “cosmic concoction of dream-pop and shoegaze.” I would have to agree. Born Harriette Pilbeam, the 25-year-old Australian singer/songwriter’s music has been influenced by Mazzy Star, the Cocteau Twins and the Cranberries. “Without A Blush” is from Hatchie’s forthcoming June 2019 album ‘Keepsake.’

3. Jungle - “Heavy, California”

London soul collective Jungle (Josh “J” Lloyd-Watson and Tom “T” McFarland) caught my attention with the groovy disco-funk rhythm of “Heavy, California” from their newest album ‘For Ever.’ It’s full of excitement and guided by a funky ‘70s rhythmic and bass soundtrack. The video for the song is a must see as it’s filled with some outstanding dance moves.

4. Jessica Pratt - “As The World Turns”

“As The World Turns,” by Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Jessica Pratt is quiet and subtle, a great song to listen to while going on an evening walk or caught up in pensive thoughts. Her new album, ‘Quiet Signs,’ reflects a sense of quiet meditation and calm. NPR Music called Jessica Pratt’s music “cosmic brilliance.” Indeed, this is a very soothing listen after a hectic day.

5. Real Estate - “Darling”

It’s been said that the members of the Brooklyn-based group Real Estate look like a bunch of school teachers who decided to quit their day jobs and form a great indie band. After listening to “Darling” from their 2017 album ‘In Mind,’ their dream pop sound reminded me of great indie groups like Phoenix and Tame Impala.

On sports: Federer win the latest battle of the generations

When Roger Federer beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in bookend-like fashion, 6-4, 6-4, to win his eighth Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship crown on Saturday night, it marked his 100th career title.

Federer gave a stunning performance that lit up the Emirates. He needed just 69 minutes to beat one of the rising stars of tennis, Tsitsipas, who is almost half as old as the 37-year-old tennis icon. Federer proved once and for all that age is just a number.

In the latest battle of the generations between Federer and Tsitsipas – their third this year and first since Tsitsipas ousted Federer in the round of 16 at the Australian Open in January – the evening belonged to Federer, much to the delight of so many in this Arabian Desert city.

Before the match, Federer was quoted as saying, “I’m just going to try to focus and play good tennis.”

Federer did more than just play good tennis. He came out focused from the start and broke Tsitsipas in the opening game. OK, game on! Playing brilliantly at times, and with a chess master’s mentality lining up his moves, Federer kept Tsitsipas thinking on his feet. He opened up the court and continually applied pressure, moving the young Greek star back and forth across the hard-court surface. Although Tsitsipas attacked Federer’s backhand often, the Swiss maestro proved up to the task and even capped one particular 23-shot rally with a lovely, back-handed half volley winner that brought the capacity crowd to its feet. Later, Federer saved the only two break points he faced after going up 40-0 while serving for the first set. Finally, on his fourth set-point opportunity, Federer secured the elusive point to move to within one set of making tennis history.

Next, the two finalists stayed on serve through the opening eight games of the second set, before Federer was able to put together a string of four straight brilliant points on his return that broke the 20-year-old Tsitsipas. The service break pushed Federer ahead for good and put himself in the position of serving for the match. Title No. 100 suddenly loomed big. As it happened, Federer wasted no time in wrapping up the historic evening by winning at love – game, set, match, championship – which closed the book on his eighth Dubai title.

Immediately after his milestone victory, Federer spoke about winning his 100th career title meant to him. He also hinted at how long he’ll be around chasing trophies. “I’m delighted, I’m so happy. It’s an absolute dream come true right now,” he said. Federer gave credit to Tsitsipas after he defeated the Greek hero, saying, “I don’t know if he was born when I won my first title. I think barely. ... Tennis is in good hands, regardless if I’m there or not.” Afterward, it was announced by tournament organizers that Federer will return to defend his Dubai title in 2020.

The free-spirited Tsitsipas, who won the Open 13 Provence in Marseille just a week earlier, took his defeat in stride. He knows there will be better days ahead for him. Tsitsipas managed to crack a smile while he was interviewed by longtime British tennis commentator David Mercer during the trophy ceremony. He spoke positively about watching Federer as a child growing up in Greece. Tsitsipas congratulated him on his career achievements. “I’ve been idolizing him since the age of six ... and now sharing the court, it’s even better,” he said. 

When it was Federer’s turn to wax poetically during the ceremony for his 100th, Federer told Mercer, “It’s been a long, wonderful journey. I have loved every minute. It’s been tough, but the sacrifice has been very, very worthwhile, and we’ll see how much more I’ve got left in the tank.

“I’m so happy I’m still playing. It all started as a junior world champion. It’s been great. I wouldn’t do it any differently.”

The history-making victory moved the 20-time Grand Slam championship to within nine titles of tying Jimmy Connors, the men’s all-time leader. While it took Federer 152 finals to reach No. 100, Connors reached his 100th in only 141 finals. 

Soon, Federer received many plaudits from current and former players and the media, via Twitter. Connors chimed in with his congratulations. “Welcome to the ‘Triple Digit’ tournament victory club @rogerfederer – I’ve been a bit lonely – glad to have the company!!!”

No doubt, Federer is a future Hall of Famer and his C.V. is an impressive one. Yet, despite his advanced age – for a tennis player – Federer continues to add milestones to it.

For instance, Federer has lifted a trophy in at least one tournament in 18 of the past 19 years. Since 2001, when he won the first of his 100 titles, the only year that Federer has come up empty was during his injury-plagued 2016 season. Also, with his 100th singles title, Federer moved twenty ahead of Rafael Nadal, who has won 80. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has 73 singles titles. Meanwhile, the remaining 97 players in the current Top 100 have garnered a combined total of 333. Let’s not forget, one-fifth (20 percent) of Federer’s singles titles have come at Grand Slams. He’s won eight Wimbledon crowns, six Australian Open, five U.S. Open and one French Open. Also, he’s won 27 ATP Masters 1000 titles, 22 ATP 500 series titles, 25 ATP 250 series titles and six ATP Tour Finals titles. 

During his press conference following his Dubai triumph, Federer was asked if he’s ready to go after 10 more titles to break Connors’ 109. He replied, “We live in a world where every record has to be shattered. Not for me, I’m just happy I’m still healthy. If I reach milestones along the way, it’s wonderful, but I’m really not here to shatter all the records.”

Putting it all in perspective. That’s Roger Federer.

On sports: Zeina Nassar is fighting for her dream

Zeina Nassar didn’t change for the rules. She helped change the rules.

The German-born boxer of Lebanese parents lives in Berlin, where she has been training diligently for the 2020 Olympics while keeping up with her university studies. However, Zeina’s far from being your stereotypical 21-year-old college student. That’s because as a Muslim, who is devout to her faith, she wears a headscarf – a hijab – both in public and in the boxing ring. And that’s where things get tricky and complicated.

“I don’t want to be reduced to my looks, or my hijab,” says Nassar, in a Nike-produced video posted on her Instagram profile (@zeina.boxer). “It really doesn’t matter which religion I practice. In the end, what matters to me is my sport.”

Fascinated by both the discipline and elegance of the sport of boxing, the 2018 German champion says, “We live in a time where everything should be possible, and you have to fight to make changes in society.”

In an interview with Material magazine, Nassar said she was looked upon as “an absolute misfit” in the ring when she began boxing. However, she said, “I didn’t let that discourage me. It’s those fallacies I want to tackle and, hopefully, someday, get rid of for good. I believe that everyone should have the right to do whatever it is he or she pleases to do. Simple as that.

“Personally, I feel empowered through boxing. Even though I have had to face all kinds of unfairness, I never held back from doing what I believed in just because it may have crossed someone else’s opinion or expectation of what I could or could not do.”

When Nassar first participated in a boxing competition in 2013, according to regulations, she was not allowed to compete in a hijab. She remembers she often had the feeling she needed to prove herself twice as hard as the others.

“My first coach fought for the boxing regulation to be changed in Germany,” Nassar recalls. “And since then, all women are allowed to compete in boxing.

“Back then, I really had no idea what I started, but today I’m more and more aware that I am a role model for a lot of kids and adults. When I was 13, I didn’t even think about whether I would be allowed, wearing a hijab, or not. For me, it was just normal, same as for all the other kids. I had a dream and wanted to do it.”

Now, Nassar is featured in Nike’s new “Dream Crazier” ad campaign, which launched worldwide via social media on Sunday. The Nike swoosh is prominantly displayed on Nassar’s hijab that she wears when she competes.

Just last week, Nassar scored a huge victory outside of the boxing ring. That’s because the International Boxing Association rewrote the rules, allowing women all over the world to box while wearing hijabs. No longer will Nassar’s hijab be an obstacle for her in the ring.

“It’s a huge win for me and for women across the world,” she wrote on Instagram. Her fighting spirit lives on.

“My ongoing contribution to the world is that I want to continue to inspire people,” Nassar told Material magazine. “I want to encourage people, especially women, to not take ‘no’ for an answer. I want women to feel strong, brave, independent, victorious. I want women to see me and say ‘Hey, if she can do it, so can I.’ Every day, I receive messages of people telling me how much I’ve helped them with conquering fears and doubts. It gives me so much pride, hope and happiness. It fuels my own motivation to fight. Not only in the ring. Not only for myself. But for all of us.”

Photos: Courtesy of Zeina-Nassar.com, Nike.com.