On April 23, 400 years ago, one of the greatest writers Western culture has known died at the age of 52. Unanimously considered the most influential playwright in English-language literature, William Shakespare left us a legacy that still inspires generations of students and men of letters around the world: 37 plays, 154 sonnets and a host of other poems that represent a huge.
From the famous Romeo and Juliet to A Midsummer Night's Dream, passing through Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night. Then the dialectical and historical dramas: Hamlet, Othello, Macbeth, King Lear. The first edition of the Sonnets dates back to 1609.
Four hundred years have passed and yet William Shakespeare is still everywhere. Not only in the theaters and in the re-propositions of the Globe, but also in the cinema, on TV, on social networks.
Events will be held around the world to pay tribute to him on the anniversary of his death. The British Council has decided to launch a hashtag called “Shakesperarelives”.
The works of the Bard of Avon will be remembered through the new £2 coins which will depict some of the recurring symbols in Shakespearean literature: from the skull and rose to the crown and sword.
Finally, it should be remembered that last May, the English historian Mark Griffiths found what could represent the first and only portrait of the author when he was still alive. According to the scholar, in the center of the image dated 1598 there would be him with thick curls and a mustache.
Prime Minister David Cameron also spoke to celebrate his glory: "Shakespeare's legacy is unparalleled: his works have been translated into more than 100 languages and are studied by students from half the planet".
