Introducing MC Bard: Joseph Fiennes turns Shakespearean rapper in new online video

As one of Britain's leading stars of stage and screen, Joseph Fiennes is well-known for his ability to decipher Shakespeare's challenging language.

But in a unlikely new collaboration, the thespian teams up with rapper Devlin to find a new way of using his way with words - by rapping Shakespeare.

The 41-year-old actor and rising East Londoner MC, 22, were surprised to find a common ground between Shakespeare's words and urban street rhymes.

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MC Bard: Joseph Fiennes raps the lyrics to William Shakespeare's Sonnet 129 in a new short film to launch the New Thinker's Index

In a short film made in September, the pair took to the studio to record their own take on one The Bard most famous Sonnet's - 129.

And in the accompanying video, Fiennes dons a beanie hat as he runs through the verses of Sonnet 129 in rapid speed.

The collaboration took place to launch the New Thinker's Index (NTI), a new interactive digital content experience where people can discover new thinkers who are shaping the future.

Feeling at home: Fiennes rehearses the lines in the studio

Finding a new audience: The actor teamed up with rising grime artist Devlin

People can follow an online test to discover the type of thinker they are and why.

Also taking part in a series of short films to launch the Hyundai Motor Co. and Microsoft Advertising project includes Kevin Spacey, Helena Christensen, Ian Wright and RocknRolla actor Toby Kebbell, among others.

Reflecting on the piece, Fiennes said: 'I found the idea of the New Thinkers Index a really intriguing one to get involved in.

Talking Shakespeare: The two stars found surprisingly common ground when it came to Shakespeare

'Exploring the common ground that exists between Shakespeare and modern street poetry with Devlin challenged me to look at my craft in a whole new way – it was fascinating to see how he brought Shakespeare to life in his own way. 

'Devlin and I also had similar results on the New Thinkers Index, it was interesting to see there is more in common with the way we think than meets the eye.'

Rising star Devlin added: 'Being involved in The New Thinkers Index really did make me challenge the way I think and how I naturally deal with situations.

Rapid: Fiennes rapped Sonnet 129 swiftly

'As a grime artist, I am used to having to think on my feet, but working with Joseph Fiennes and rapping Shakespeare’s poetry made me think about how my mind processes language and rhythm.

'There were so many more similarities than I would ever have thought before – maybe our film could even help teachers to get kids to connect more with Shakespeare in school.'

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