April 23, 2016 marked the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare. To commemorate the Bard, over 200 students, staff, faculty and community visitors gathered at UCI's Langson Library to view the First Folio, hear "Shaken Shakespeare" dramatically recite lines from Shakespeare’s plays, pick up or make Shakespeare inspired pins, and participate in the Shakespeare Quiz Show.
The UCI community's admiration for the Bard dates back to the University’s inaugural year when Clayton Garrison, founding dean of the School of Fine Arts now named the Claire Trevor School of the Arts, directed a Midsummer Night's Dream with the campus' first class of drama students in 1965. Since then, Shakespeare has become a fixture at the University, permeating both page and stage.
We invite you to explore reflections on the past, present, and future role of Shakespeare in UCI's legacy. Learn about the early days in the UCI Drama Department from Robert Cohen, founding Chair of the Department of Drama. Discover why Patrick Hanratty '77, donated the First Folio to UCI Libraries. Listen to Julia Lupton and Eli Simon, Co-Directors of The Shakespeare Center, share their visions for the Center and their admiration and hopes for the New Swan Shakespeare Festival.
Related Excerpts
Julia Lupton and Eli Simon - Lupton's Goals For The Future
Lupton shares her goals for the future of the English Department, the New Swan Theater, and Illuminations: The Chancellor's Arts and Culture Initiative.