William Shakespeare 400th anniversary: Eurovision to honour playwright in 'eclectic musical tribute'

Six performers from across Europe will come together to produce short films adapting Shakespeare's iconic words to new contexts

William Shakespeare's 400th anniversary is so monumental in its passing, even Eurovision wants in on the action.

The song contest organisers will be staging an "eclectic musical tribute" to the Bard's work; gathering six artists from across Europe to record short films on the subject.

What exactly Shakespeare's contributions to the theatrical world have to do with tear-away skirts and baking Russian grandmothers is unclear; yet, the likes of French rapper Oxmo Puccino and a Slovenian ensemble of musicians are amongst those putting Shakespeare's iconic words to music, in a project titled "New Shakespeare Songbook".

The piece will feature UK talent in the form of experimental electro-musician Matthew Hebert, well-known for the use of everyday objects in his work; including kitchen utensils, Vietnamese coffee beans, industrial chicken farms, a landfill site, human hair, the Houses of Parliament, and bodily organs. Elsewhere, Norwegian singer-songwriter Ane Brun, Austria's Gustav (Eva Jantschitsch), and Swiss actress Anahì Traversi paired with cellist Zeno Gabaglio will feature.

Produced by Eurovision parent, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), seven short films will be created in total; available in a 30-minute edited form, and screened across Europe as part of the anniversary celebrations, such as the BBC's own Shakespeare season. Viewers will be encouraged to create their own tributes to the Bard under the hashtag, #newshakespearesongbook.

EBU media director Jean Philip De Tender stated (via The Guardian): "Shakespeare is one of the pillars of European culture and the richness of his texts is reflected in the wonderful creative responses from EBU members working with some of today’s most imaginative artists."

Eurovision had previously come under fire following comments made by the Swedish producer of this year's show, who said the late Sir Terry Wogan had "totally spoiled" the contest with his commentary.

Eurovision takes place 10 May; held in Stockholm, Sweden.