Home / Arts and Entertainment / McKellen's Shakespearean plea on immigration echoes history
McKellen's Shakespearean plea on immigration echoes history
8 Feb
Summary
- Ian McKellen recited a Shakespearean monologue on immigration.
- The monologue drew parallels to historical anti-immigrant sentiment.
- Other artists like Bad Bunny and Lady Gaga also criticized US immigration policies.
During a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, actor Ian McKellen delivered a powerful Shakespearean monologue addressing immigration. His performance drew parallels between contemporary immigration debates and historical events in London, noting the resurgence of anti-immigrant sentiment over 400 years ago.
McKellen recited lines from Shakespeare's Sir Thomas More, focusing on a soliloquy that underscored the plight and humanity of immigrants. The studio audience responded with applause, and the clip quickly became popular on social media platforms.
This recitation occurred as several artists publicly condemned current US immigration policies. Bad Bunny and Lady Gaga notably used their platforms to criticize Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Bad Bunny delivered an "ICE Out" speech at the Grammy Awards, while Lady Gaga spoke out against ICE's actions during a concert in Tokyo. Mckellen's powerful performance aimed to highlight historical injustices and draw attention to the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants, fostering a broader dialogue on their dignity and human rights.
