Could Shakespeare have been inspired by Arabic and Persian poetry? Did Romeo and Juliet have their origins in the Bedouin nomads of the Levant? Join Francesca Leoni as she takes us through the ancient love story of Layla and Majnun, through the lens of a jewel-like miniature painting in the Ashmolean’s archives. In this episode, you’ll hear the poetry of Shakespeare and Nizami Ganjavi.

Poetry in this episode
Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare
Layli wa Majnun, by Nizami Ganjavi, with a prose translation by Rudolph Gelpke

Artwork in this episode
Page depicting Layla visiting Majnun in the wildernessView this online

Hosted by Lucie Dawkins, with Francesca Leoni. The producer is Lucie Dawkins.

About Objects Out Loud: From a magician who inspired Shakespeare, and poems woven into Japanese prints, to manuscripts illuminated with the ancient love story of Layla and Majnun, this new podcast series will delve into the poetry and literature hidden in the collections at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.