In a powerful display of support for immigrants, renowned actor Sir Ian McKellen delivered a stirring monologue on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The performance, which took place on June 30th, was a timely response to the growing opposition towards US immigration policies.
As the debate surrounding immigration continues to intensify in the United States, McKellen’s performance served as a reminder of the importance of empathy and compassion towards those seeking a better life in a new country. The 81-year-old actor, known for his iconic roles in the Lord of the Rings and X-Men franchises, chose to recite a 400-year-old monologue from William Shakespeare’s play, “Sir Thomas More.”
The monologue, which was originally written by Shakespeare and other playwrights, depicts a speech given by Sir Thomas More, a 16th-century lawyer and statesman, in defense of immigrants. In the monologue, More addresses a crowd of angry citizens who are calling for the expulsion of immigrants from London. He appeals to their humanity, urging them to consider the struggles and hardships faced by those seeking refuge in their city.
McKellen’s performance of the monologue was nothing short of captivating. With his commanding stage presence and impeccable delivery, he brought the words of Shakespeare to life, reminding us of the timeless relevance of the playwright’s works. As he spoke, his passion and conviction were palpable, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
In an interview with Colbert, McKellen shared his thoughts on the current state of immigration policies in the US. He expressed his disappointment and concern for the thousands of families who have been separated at the border and the harsh treatment of immigrants seeking asylum. He also emphasized the importance of using art and storytelling to shed light on important issues and bring about change.
McKellen’s performance on The Late Show was met with widespread praise and admiration. Many took to social media to express their appreciation for the actor’s powerful message and his unwavering support for immigrants. The monologue has since gone viral, with people from all over the world sharing it and applauding McKellen for using his platform to raise awareness about this pressing issue.
This is not the first time McKellen has used his voice to advocate for marginalized communities. He has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and has used his fame to bring attention to important social issues. His performance on The Late Show serves as a reminder of the crucial role that artists and public figures play in using their platforms for good.
In a time when the world is facing numerous challenges, it is heartening to see influential figures like Sir Ian McKellen using their voices to promote unity, empathy, and understanding. As we continue to navigate through these turbulent times, let us remember the words of Sir Thomas More, as spoken by McKellen, “Imagine that you see the wretched strangers, their babies at their backs and their poor luggage, plodding to the ports and coasts for transportation, and that you sit as kings in your desires, authority quite silent by your brawl and you in ruff of your opinions clothed. What had you got? I’ll tell you: you had taught how insolence and strong hand should prevail, how order should be quelled, and by this pattern not one of you should live an aged man, not one of you should be left alive to tell the tale.”
Let us strive to be a society that welcomes and embraces diversity, rather than one that shuns and marginalizes it. And let us continue to use art and storytelling as a means to spread love, compassion, and understanding, just as Sir Ian McKellen has done with his powerful performance on The Late Show.
