Next Wednesday, April 23 to be exact, is Shakespeare’s 451 birthday. As part of his birthday bash, I thought I would try to write a Shakespeare themed post every day leading up to the event. Today’s post focuses on a few ways in which we can get in the mood.
The Globe Theater got in the act in February. They are truly going Global. Select cities world wide are hosting screenings of Shakespeare’s plays. For those of you lucky enough to live in one of these cities, the Globe promises to bring all of the excitement of the live theater to your movie theater. This month’s production is Julius Caesar.
Sadly, time travel is not an option. I’m sure I’m not alone when I say if it were, Shakespeare’s London would be high on the travel itinerary. The next best thing is immersing yourself by way of reading. May I suggest Shakespeare in London by Hannah Crawforth, Sarah Dustagheer and Jennifer Young. I’m currently reading it (my review will be up this weekend) and so far am thrilled with the authors’ research. I have to give a shout out to Arden for sending me an advanced copy.
The book looks at events and people who may have shaped young Shakespeare’s mind as he learns to navigate the wonders and the horrors of Elizabethan London. It is compelling reading. The three authors show connections between Shakespeare’s work and his adopted city. For history lovers Shakespeare in London offers a chance to visit England as it was 450 years ago.
If you are a fellow collector of Shakespeare trinkets and baubles, but think you might have enough, this tea pot may give you pause. I am very tempted by it.
Hamlet by the cup?
If you can’t make it to a theater to the a Globe production you can transform your living room into a posh theater. Between Netlix.Amazon Prime, and YouTube there are plenty of Shakespeare’s plays to choose from. I’ve got a BBC production of Measure for Measure sitting here, curtsy of Netflix. Now all I need is a ticket taker and someone to offer me refreshments.
Which remind me. Tomorrow we will talk about what kind of food would be available to Elizabethan audiences.
The View From Sari's World 
Hi Sari,
Just a quick note, we know Shakespeare was christened April 26, we do not know the actual birth date. Most people accept April 23 since he died April 23, 1616 and that’s easy to recall.
Happy blogging, Melinda
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Thanks for stopping by.
Yes, we Shakespeare scholars are aware that there is no birth certificate so we go by the old tradition of christening a child three days after birth. The date is a placeholder and a wonderful excuse to celebrate all things Shakespeare. I hope you enjoy my week of Shakespeare blogs
Cheers
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