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Nikki Bedi presents this week's The Arts Hour.

Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth tells us about his new fantasy film The Huntsman: Winter’s War and what it was like working with CGI technology and actresses Emily Blunt and Charlize Theron. South African author Zukiswa Wanner discusses the state of African literature and chooses her pick of forthcoming book festivals this month. Opera singer Patricia Rozario talks about staring in Clocks 1888: the greener at the Hackney Empire in London and about singing and teaching opera in India. And British soul singer and Mercury Prize nominee Michael Kiwanuka on the inspiration behind his new album and single Black Man in a White World.

To mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death actress Dame Judi Dench reveals what it’s like playing Lady Macbeth a part she’s famously played several times. 25 year-old South London poet James Massiah explains ‘Funk Poetry’ and explores issues of mortality and religion in his work. Following the success of her TV hit The Night Manager, Danish director Susanne Bier shares her views on women and pay in the film and television industry. And American musical theatre actress Amber Riley warms up for the forthcoming production of Dreamgirls which debuts in London’s West End at the end of the year.

Producer: Anna Bailey

Montage: l-r Chris Hemsworth (Credit: Christina Augustin /Getty images); Dame Judi Dench; Michael Kiwanuka (Credit: David Wolff - Patrick/Getty Images)