Shakespeare in Our Time!

April 22, 2016

On April 23, exactly four hundred years ago, William Shakespeare, the world-famous English poet and one of the best playwrights in the world, died in 1616. Miguel de Cervantes, another world-famous writer and author of Don Quixote, died in Spain a day earlier the same year.

But we will tell about his life, not his death. After four centuries, these authors are still as alive for us now as they were before. Today, their works are still read and loved, quoted by people who have not read them, inspring new translations, film adaptations, music, and art. Shakespeare’s plays continue to be directed on stage more often than the work of any other single playwright.

Since 1996, April 23 has been celebrated as World Book and Copyright day.

In honor of so many memorable dates, AUCA held “Shakespeare in Our Time,” a commemorative poetry recitation and discussion.

At the event, sophomores from the Department of European Studies together with associate professor Lubov Zhdanova, their Head of Department, organized a recitation of several of Shakespeare’s sonnets in English and Russian.

Anyone with the courage to perform in front of the crowd had the opportunity to recite their favorite of the Bard’s sonnets in a relaxed and open atmosphere. In addition to the event organizers, students from other departments, library staffers, members of the faculty, and staff members all attended the event to listen to, read, and recite Shakespeare.

To close the event, sophomore Atay Narynbekov recited his own poem devoted to Shakespeare. According to Atay, he wrote the poem while he was lost in the “euphoria of love”, but his ladylove didn’t love him back. Listeners enjoyed his blank verse written in Shakespeare’s style; the young poet deserved the praise and applause he received.

The recited sonnets were alternated with some of Shakespeare’s poetry set to music, performed by singer Alla Pugacheva, composer Mikael Tariverdiev and others.

“Why is William Shakespeare still so loved and popular worldwide? Because in his plays and sonnets, we can find answers to our innermost questions,” supposed Elena Turdieva, the library’s head of customer service.

For their effort and courage, people who recited poetry were treated to a nice surprise: a one-time 20% discount coupon for books from the Raritet bookstore, a gift prepared in conjunction with the AUCA Library. 

So, read, better yourself and one way or another you’ll be rewarded!

<< go to news list