OK, so today marks the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare, a day I’m calling the Deathiversary. But ol’ Willy Shakes wouldn’t want you to be sad today. It’s a day for celebrating (just ask the RSC). Ah, what to do if you can’t get to JOE (Jolly Ol’ England)?
Well, your ol’ pal Bill (Walthall, not Shakespeare…he’s dead) has got you covered (especially you readers in the southern California area). As I’ve mentioned before, I will be participating in the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company’s Bard-Day Bash, an (almost) around-the-clock confab that will bring together the Bardophiles from around the area. I’ll be doing a presentation on Time in Romeo and Juliet, as well as moderating a panel discussion on “Traditional vs. Alternative Settings for Shakespeare.”
From their official site:
The festivities will commence on Sat. 4/23/16 and conclude with a reception on Sun. 4/24/16, Overton Hall on the campus of California Lutheran University. We’re planning table readings, a sonnet marathon, famous scene mashups (extempore, from our mother wit, of course), games and more. This event will be live streamed at www.callutheran.edu/live or come by the event.
So, if you don’t have plans for the Deathiversary, come on down to Cal Lu, check out the scene, take in a session or ten, and say hello… and if you can’t make it, stream it… and either way you take part, don’t forget to let us know what you think!