Today, April 23rd, is recognized as William Shakespeare’s birthday. Baptismal records at Holy Trinity parish church in Stratford show an entry on April 26, 1564 and it is generally accepted that he was born three days prior.
In honor of William’s 445th birthday, I’d like to know how many of his 37 plays and/or 154 sonnets you’ve actually read. While in college, I had an opportunity to study his works for three semesters with a terrific professor. As a result, I navigated about one-third of the first folio.
Despite what my students think, I don’t often curl up in a leather club chair near the hearth with a dusty tome of Shakespeare’s works–nor does my husband join me, donning a smoking jacket, deerstalker cap, and pipe. The plays were written to be performed and as much as I enjoy reading them, they really come alive on the stage.
So, what Shakespeare have you read? Did you leave him safely behind you after school or do you check in with him every once in a while? Have you seen any of the plays performed live? I’ve seen a few performances at Shakespeare in the Park–free summer performances in Central Park–and a few of the plays at other theaters.
Book, Line, and Sinker 