London: If all the world’s a stage, William Shakespeare is its architect.
The 400th anniversary of the playwright’s death is being marked across Britain with parades, church services and of course stage performances. The play’s the thing, after all.
Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616, his 52nd birthday. President Barack Obama is visiting Shakespeare's Globe theatre in London on Saturday, and the Royal Shakespeare Company is mounting a stage extravaganza with performances by Judi Dench, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ian McKellen and even Prince Charles.
Around the world, the Bard is more popular than ever. Dominic Dromgoole, artistic director of Shakespeare’s Globe, says the playwright’s popularity is only likely to grow. He says “we haven't scratched the surface of how far and how deep he can speak to different communities.”
Meanwhile, Spain is commemorating the 400th anniversary of the death of its best-known writer, Miguel de Cervantes.
