Marc West joins an unusual celebration of the genius of Shakespeare – with the Bard's work set to hip-hop

The stage is set for the city of dreaming spires to celebrate the life, works and legacy of the man widely regarded as one of the foremost writers of the English language. This year marks the 400th anniversary of his death, but William Shakespeare lives on through his incredible body of writing with a stellar line-up of performers taking part in events of all description across the land.

Here in Oxford, our flourishing theatre community has stepped up to the exciting challenge of presenting his complete works (all 37 of them) in just 12 months, including two contrasting productions of King Lear, radical interpretations of Macbeth and a blingin' hip-hop version of Richard II – possibly his most extravagant (posthumous) production to date.

Written and first performed in 1595, it’s a politically charged story of power and plotting – a monarch ordained by God to lead his people, but also a man of very human weakness whose vanity threatens to divide the great houses of England and drag his people into a dynastic civil war that will last one hundred bloody years.

Founded by MOBO Award-winning artist Akala with the support of veteran thespian Sir Ian McKellan, The Hip-Hop Shakespeare Company’s aim is to explore the social, cultural and linguistic parallels between the Olde English works and those of the modern day. Indeed, the original Will.I.Am still has the poetic power to touch people's lives and hearts.

The energy in this theatre of sound builds as the audience wait with bated breath for the big bad Bard’s greatest hits remixed for Generation X, Y and Z – a medley of dialogue and dub ditties adapted from the scenes and themes of this opening quarter of the House of Lancaster tetralogy.

Sword fights are fought through lyrical face-offs. Whilst the words may sometimes go above our heads their sentiment remains strong and with sharp tongues the cast still have the power to pierce the audience's conscience whilst the pounding bass from the live accompanying band beats us into the King's submission. If music be the food of love, play on!

Throughout the year, Shakespeare Oxford 2016 is celebrating with a festival of performances, talks, exhibitions, poetry and youth projects. And, if you want to discover more about the wordsmith's connections to town, gown and shire, be sure to attend a free talk this evening from 5.30pm at Old Museum on St Aldate’s – the site of the old Guild Hall where Shakespeare's acting company The Kings Men first performed Othello.

Local historian Tom McDonnell, author of new publication Sweet Wittie Soules, will reveal the truth behind the myths surrounding Shakespeare’s frequent visits to our city on his travels between his birthplace of Stratford Upon Avon and London. For all details visit shakespeareoxford2016.co.uk