Shakespeare

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Shakespeare

'Hamlet'

The Curtain Scene from 'Hamlet'

Discover why 'Hamlet' is regarded by many to be Shakespeare's greatest play with our 'Hamlet' Study Guide

More About 'Hamlet'

Shakespeare Spotlight10

Lee's Shakespeare Blog

Britain's Greatest National Treasure

Tuesday July 7, 2009

Now, I know this isn't exactly news, but Shakespeare is officially Britain's Greatest National Treasure! The Bard beat Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Fish and Chips to first place in a poll of 1000 adults.

I often forget how proud the British public are of Shakespeare. We have a strange relationship with the Bard: one moment we're mocking him in school and the next we're voting him to the top of polls and quoting him on the London Underground.

Perhaps we actually fear Shakespeare as a nation ... just a little bit! To the uninitiated, the academia that has built up around his writing can seem impenetrable creating a sense of reverence and fear.

But deep down, we all know he's a particularly British creation and we should be proud of "Our Will!"

Photo © Phillip Dvorak / Getty Images

Shakespeare in the Park

Tuesday June 30, 2009

I have a confession to make: I’ve never been to Shakespeare in the Park – but I’ve long been aware of its strong reputation across Europe.

Shakespeare in the Park has been organized by The Public Theater for over 50 years and has entertained over 100,000 people with its free summer productions in Central Park, New York.

This year, The Public Theater are presenting Twelfth Night starring Oscar nominee Anne Hathaway – and the production is already receiving favorable reviews.

The production runs until 12 July and is a must for all Shakespeare enthusiasts. So, be sure to pick up your free ticket if you’re in the area. Heather Cross, About.com’s guide to New York can give you advice on getting your hands on a ticket.

I’d love to hear from some New York residents and discover how important this event is in the city. Does it create a buzz? How has Shakespeare in the Park affected you over the years?

Shakespeare on the London Underground

Monday June 29, 2009

As regular readers of this blog will know, I believe that too many people have made assumptions about Shakespeare’s work without ever really being exposed to it - something I regularly bemoan.

I was therefore delighted to read that London Underground will be issuing Shakespeare quotes over the tannoy system in their stations to enrich the humdrum commuting experience of its 3.5 million daily riders.

Tube drivers on the Piccadilly line have been issued with a booklet of quotations entitled What Is The City But Its People by Turner Prize winner Jeremy Deller. Shakespeare’s words (along with quotations from other literary giants) will now echo through the tunnels of London Underground and replace monotonous announcements like “mind the gap” and “stand behind the yellow line”.

Now, I’m sure that this isn’t going to create an army of 3.5 million Shakespeare fans overnight, but it will increase the Bard exposure of the general public – which can only be a good thing.

If you travel on the London Underground and hear a Shakespeare quote on your journey, I’d love to hear from you. How did it affect your journey? Could you identify the play?

James Cottriall in Stratford

Thursday June 25, 2009

Last Friday, James Cottriall won the Austrian version of Pop Idol, a TV talent show. As it turns out, Cottriall was educated at King Edward VI School in Stratford-upon-Avon – more commonly known as Shakespeare’s School.

Immediately the mind start racing … educated in the same place as Shakespeare … now living in Vienna … where Measure for Measure is set … I’ve already started imaging Cottriall as a kind of Lucio-type character – the “fantastic” flamboyant bachelor from Measure for Measure.

If you would like to see Lucio in person – oops! Sorry, I mean Cottriall – then visit The Terrace Bar in Stratford-upon-Avon on Friday 3 July where he’ll be playing a special homecoming concert.

Discuss

Community Forum

Explore Shakespeare

About.com Special Features

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

The Business School Lowdown

Everything from choosing a school and applying, to employment after graduation. More >

Shakespeare

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Shakespeare

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.