UK artist and founder of the Hip-Hop Shakespeare Company, Akala is hosting a workshop at Newport's Substation on Sunday.
Akala believes the bard could have been a rapper had he been born in our time.
"There are so many linguistic, social and cultural parallels between hip-hop and Shakespeare, from the themes of wealth, greed and poverty, to the reliance on rhythm, the use of dissonance and assonance and the integrity of words.
"Shakespeare is thought of as something highbrow, which the ordinary person can't relate to.
"His work will still be relevant in 400 years - any social commentary will stand the test of time."
Akala's musical theatre production company has run workshops throughout Europe and Africa.
His Newport workshop, from 1-4pm, includes techniques for poets and MCs. It will be followed by an open mic performance for friends and family from 5-6.30pm. Participants must be at least 14.
Register by emailing amrit.gill@britishcouncil.org.au< p>
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