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Shakespeare’s 400th death anniversary

24 April 2016

By Lauren E. White

Exactly 400 years ago yesterday, William Shakespeare passed away in his home town of Stratford-upon-Avon on the very same day he was born.

President Obama at the Globe Theatre
President Obama at the Globe Theatre

The world-famous playwright, who is behind what is regarded as some of the most important and culturally-defining works of the past five hundred years, is being celebrated this weekend by fans and even the US President Barack Obama. Mr Obama visited the Globe Theatre yesterday morning during his two-day visit to the UK and spent some time hearing about the design of the theatre on the Thames. He even watched one scene from one of Shakespeare’s tragedy plays, Hamlet.

David Tennant as Hamlet
David Tennant as Hamlet

There was also a BBC celebration last night, hosted by David Tennant, who starred in critically-acclaimed adaptations of Hamlet and Much Ado About Nothing.

Many people are celebrating Shakespeare by simply reading his work, watching plays and quoting him on social media. However, it is likely that we are all quoting the Bard every day as it’s believed that he contributed around 3,000 words to the English language.

So as a part of my celebration of William Shakespeare’s life, I leave you with Sonnet 116:

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