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Shakespeare & Beyond

Shakespeare belongs to all of us

Shakespeare died 400 years ago this week. Who cares?

Well, millions and millions of people. Shakespeare remains the most produced playwright in America. Over 90% of American high school students study his plays and poetry, not to mention half of all secondary school students around the world. His reach as a cultural force extends well beyond North America and Europe. There are more Shakespeare movies produced in Bollywood than the US and UK combined. Characters and phrases from Shakespeare’s writings appear now in dystopian novels, Disney cartoons, Broadway musicals, and hip-hop music. The marvel of this writer’s talents is as great as the fact of his global staying power. Four centuries after his death, people from around the world are still conversing with this glover’s son from Warwickshire. Why does the conversation continue?

Comments

Michael,
As a fan and a neighbor and frequent visitor for plays and exhibits, thanks for this great elegy to Will. In my view, it’s spot-on.

Nils Bruzelius — April 23, 2016

Preach, my Brother’s & Sisters! PREACH! I’ve been using the phrase “Shakespeare is for EVERYONE!” for years. Here comes The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival’s 19th season of FREE Outdoor Shakespeare!

Tyson Douglas Rand — April 24, 2016