Sir Ian McKellen delivered a powerful Shakespeare monologue during a recent TV interview that echoed ongoing protests against ICE in the United States. His performance of a scene featuring Sir Thomas Moore captivated audiences by drawing parallels between historical social unrest and modern immigration debates.
Context of the Monologue and Historical Setting
On February 5, during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, McKellen reflected on his 1960s portrayal of Thomas Moore, a character from a play written by William Shakespeare. This role distinguished McKellen as the only living actor to have originated a part created by Shakespeare. After setting the stage, McKellen recited the monologue to illustrate the turmoil in London at the time.
It’s all happening 400 years ago, and in London there’s a riot happening, there’s a mob out in the streets,
he explained.
He continued, describing how the crowd was protesting against new immigrants, whom they saw as strangers taking over their city.
They’re complaining about the presence of strangers in London, by which they mean the recent immigrants who have arrived there.
The rioters demanded that these newcomers
be sent back to their home, wherever they came from
, a sentiment McKellen presented through the eyes of Thomas Moore, who is sent by authorities to calm the unrest by appealing to the crowd’s conscience.
A Call for Humanity Amid Division
In this stirring speech, Thomas Moore challenges the hostility directed at immigrants and highlights the “mountainish inhumanity” of the rioters’ views. McKellen’s delivery resonated strongly with viewers, evoking reflection on intolerance both historically and today. The performance was met with strong applause, underscoring the enduring relevance of Shakespeare’s themes about compassion and social justice.
The Enduring Impact of McKellen’s Performance
Ian McKellen’s Shakespeare monologue draws attention to ongoing struggles over immigration and belonging, linking past and present conflicts. By revisiting this role, McKellen not only honors Shakespeare’s work but also shines a light on contemporary issues faced by immigrants and the protests opposing ICE policies. This moment of art intersecting with activism invites audiences to consider empathy as a vital response to division and unrest.
