Shakespeare vs Milton, Royal Geographical Society

In the year of the bard's 450th birthday, Intelligence Squared is celebrating the Shakespeare's literary legacy with a twist -- by challenging his supremacy and pitting him against Milton in the Kings of English Literature debate. 

In a scene reminiscent of one of his own great battles, Shakespeare will be cast into literary combat with John Milton . The debate explores each writer’s momentous work through the frivolity of a fight. Academics pick a side and argue their case: advocating Shakespeare's dominance is Columbia University's Professor of English James Shapiro , an expert on all things Elizabethan and author of 1599: A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare ; in the opposing corner, championing Milton is Princeton University's Professor Nigel Smith , who will be well-equipped for debate, having penned a book entitled Is Milton Better than Shakespeare?

A trio of celebrated actors will then bring the literature to life. Pippa Nixon has played her fair share of Shakespearean heroines (Titania, Ophelia, Rosalind), and Sam West took the title roles in the RSC's productions of Hamlet and Richard II. Harriet Walter is a Shakespeare heavyweight and RSC Associate Artist with a sting of acclaimed roles under her belt.

Prepare to be charmed and conflicted as these lions of literature are cast into competition. Though, considering that Milton’s first foray into poetry is called ‘On Shakspear’, Culture Whisper predict that it is precisely this influence, as strong today as it was for Milton, that will see Shakespeare crowned as King of English Literature.