The BBC is presenting third-party content on its iPlayer service for the first time.
Shakespeare Live has been created to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the death of celebrated British playwright William Shakespeare, which will take place on 23 April.
The anniversary will then launch Shakespeare Lives, a six-month online festival that will bring together a collection of interpretations of Shakespeare’s work.
It will include content from the Royal Shakespeare Company, the British Film Institute and other arts organisations.
The BBC and the British Council will co-curate Shakespeare Lives.
Tony Hall, director-general of the BBC, said, “This weekend, we’re experimenting live with digital formats like never before.
“Alongside a fantastic line up on radio and television, we’re hosting a digital festival, shaped with partners, to bring their creativity to millions here and the world over. And, for the first time, the BBC will be showcasing the great talent we have in our leading cultural institutions on BBC iPlayer.
“It’s another step towards an open BBC – something we all believe in.”
Recent reports have also pointed to the potential for iPlayer to begin hosting content from rival broadcasters such as ITV.
In March, the BBC was reportedly in talks with ITV and NBCUniversal over the possibility of launching a joint SVoD service to rival Netflix.
