Starting on 18 June with I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, the dramas will feature three Maya Angelous at different stages in her life, beginning in childhood with Indie Gjesdal playing the young Maya and continuing with Pippa Bennett-Warner playing the adult Maya. Angelou’s remarkable works have been dramatised by award-winning playwrights Patricia Cumper, Janice Okoh and Winsome Pinnock.

The cast also includes Nikki Amuka-Bird (Luther, Denial) as Mrs Flowers, Cecilia Noble (Nine Night, Black Mirror, Call The Midwife) as Momma, Paapa Essiedu (Hamlet/Kiri) as Bailey, Samuel Anderson (Dr Who), Ellen Thomas (EastEnders, Humans), Danny Sapani (Black Panther, The Crown), Sope Dirisu (Coriolanus, Black Mirror) and Roshawn Hewitt.

Maya Angelou’s incredible life encapsulates the story of African American struggle and liberation. Over six series – the six instalments of her autobiography – a crucial period of black history is revealed, and a period of change that would alter attitudes, culture and society irrevocably.

Her rich and diverse life sees her survive racial and physical abuse growing up as a child in the deep South, working as a prostitute and pimp, dancer and singer; to poet and writer and working directly in civil rights.

Offering unique insight into three decades of history, from the 1930s to the late 1960s, the autobiographies cover pivotal moments in the Civil Rights movement and shine a light on a period of change that altered attitudes, culture and society.

She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and was credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She won three Grammys, a Tony, a National Book Award, and was nominated for a Pulitzer. Maya Angelou would go on to be the first poet in over thirty years to make an inaugural recitation during Bill Clinton’s ceremony and would later receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom (the highest US civilian award) from Barack Obama.

Jeremy Howe, Radio 4’s Commissioning Editor for Drama and Fiction, says: “The books that make up the life and times of Maya Angelou are some of the best, most beautiful and haunting pieces of autobiography I have ever read. They run the gamut from life affirming to tragedy and back again with a tone that is a joyous, direct and searingly honest, and are an extraordinary portrait of 20th century black America. To turn these wonderful books into drama we have assembled the A team: between them Patricia Cumper, Winsome Pinnock and Janice Okoh have won awards aplenty and have written hours of wonderful radio drama. Radio 4’s celebration of Maya Angelou is an event worth waiting for.”

In addition to the dramatisations, Radio 4 is working with Aardman to create an animation in celebration of Maya Angelou’s life and work which will be available via the Radio 4 website.

The post Radio 4 presents the first radio dramatisation of Maya Angelou’s autobiographies appeared first on WE SPEAK MEDIA.

-Dr. Maya Angelou

In a life rich with experiences and stories, author, poet, memoirist, and activist Dr. Maya Angelou touched the lives of millions around the globe through her teachings, her writings, her voice, and her actions.

Born Marguerite Annie Johnson in 1928, her incredible story began with tragedy when a sexual assault at the age of seven rendered her mute for five years. During those years, however, books and poetry became her solace and constant companions, eventually helping her find her voice again to embark upon an intellectual and creative journey that defies description.

In her her teens and early adult life Dr. Angelou saw more experiences than many do in a lifetime: from motherhood, to becoming San Francisco’s first female and black streetcar conductor, to touring the world as a cast member of the opera Porgy and Bess — all while mastering several languages. She sang and danced in professional cabarets, worked as a journalist in Africa, and became one of the most prominent civil rights activists of her generation.

The success of her first book, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” in 1969 brought her mainstream attention as an author. Six other autobiographical works followed, in addition to poetry, children’s literature, and non-fiction (even cookbooks!).

Through her works, Dr. Angelou gave a voice to millions. She championed women’s rights and gender equality. She redefined black beauty and celebrated African-American oral traditions. She advocated against war and campaigned for universal peace.

She was also the recipient of numerous honors during her lifetime. She became the first poet to make an inaugural recitation in three decades when Bill Clinton became President in 1992. Her vast impact on popular culture was also felt through a host of award nominations, public accolades, and more than 50 honorary degrees.

Today’s video Doodle celebrates Dr. Maya Angelou on what would have been her 90th birthday. Set to her poem “Still I Rise,” the Doodle includes her own voice along with the voices of other individuals whose lives she has inspired, and who aspire to live by her legacy today.

Special thanks to these project partners who include (in order of appearance):  

​“Maya Angelou, I love her so much. Everything she represented as a woman, her creativity, her story, who she is. She was a renaissance woman of all types, she recreated though levels, all angles, all places in her mind. She is brilliant…I am honored to be able to say her words.”

“Being around Maya was so powerful and inspiring. I count myself very blessed to be one of the ones chosen to be a part of this. For some reason she took a liking to me and went out of her way to extend herself to me and I am forever grateful for that.”

“Dr. Angelou’s work is filled with such incredible wisdom and spiritual teachings. It feels like the ultimate privilege to have the opportunity to speak her words. She is a national treasure we should always celebrate.”

“Maya Angelou is not what she has done or written or spoken, it’s how she did it all.  She moved through the world with unshakeable calm, confidence, and a fiery, fierce grace and abounding love.” 

Here’s to Dr. Maya Angelou for her courage, compassion, and words, which continue to inspire hope around the world.

The post GOOGLE HONORS DR. MAYA ANGELOU ON HER 90TH BIRTHDAY WITH DOODLE AND VIDEO FEATURING THE VOICES OF OPRAH WINFREY, ALICIA KEYS, LAVERNE COX & MORE appeared first on WE SPEAK MEDIA.