[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 21, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S4222]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     THE 440TH BIRTHDAY OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE -- RECOGNIZING THE 
                  SHAKESPEARE FESTIVALS IN CALIFORNIA

 Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
one of the greatest writers the world has ever known: William 
Shakespeare. As you may well know, this week marks the 440th birthday 
of the great author and playwright. As a foremost literary talent of 
his and every age thereafter, his works have stood the test of time and 
are still widely celebrated over four centuries later.
  Scholars credit William Shakespeare with authoring 37 plays and 154 
sonnets over the course of his life. These works continue to both move 
and entertain today, as they did the people of his time. His plays can 
be found performed daily the world round in their traditional fashion, 
and many of his works have been adapted to accommodate modern issues 
and themes. As a result, his genius and creative achievement have 
transcended time and touched people of all generations.
  I am proud that my State of California shares a large population who 
take the time to celebrate the life and work of Shakespeare. California 
is home to some of the largest organizations dedicated to nourishing 
their communities through both artistic endeavors and educational 
programs celebrating the Bard's work. Combined, California Shakespeare 
festivals perform for more than 95,000 Californians annually.
  It is my pleasure to congratulate the California Shakespeare Festival 
on celebrating their 30th anniversary this year. Beginning with a few 
Berkeley residents performing ``Hamlet'' to local community members, 
the California Shakespeare Festival has developed into a successful 
production company that runs four Shakespearian theaters. Through their 
Artistic Learning Initiative, the festival seeks to inspire and educate 
young artists of all backgrounds through the gift of Shakespeare's 
works.
  Since 1983, when I was mayor of San Francisco, the San Francisco 
Shakespeare Festival has brought the works of Shakespeare to large and 
diverse audiences through their Free Shakespeare in the Park program. 
In cooperation with the Oakland-East Bay and Silicon Valley Shakespeare 
Festivals, the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival brings innovative and 
inspiring professional performances to over 50,000 each summer.
  I also recognize the contributions of the American Friends of the 
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust to bringing the legacy of William 
Shakespeare to Washington, DC, with their gift of eight sculptures to 
the Folger Shakespeare Library. Sculpted by artist Greg Wyatt, the 
eight pieces are half-size replicas of the Shakespearian-inspired 
artwork in the Great Garden in Stratford-upon-Avon.
  I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating Shakespeare's 
birthday and the inspirational and lasting works he contributed to our 
world. William Shakespeare's poems and plays continue to inspire 
countless generations of young writers, further the world's love of the 
written word as well as performances, and reminds us all to ``be not 
afraid of greatness.''

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