Shakespearean Artifacts on Display at Newberry Library


William Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616, and throughout this past year, the 400th anniversary of his death has been commemorated in many ways.

To end this year of remembrance, Chicago’s Newberry Library has assembled an impressive and wide-ranging exhibit honoring the Bard. “Creating Shakespeare” showcases some of the library’s treasure trove of Shakespearean artifacts. Among the items on display are the only copy in Chicago of the so-called First Folio published in 1623 by two of the Bard’s fellow actors, and an array of artifacts highlighting Chicago’s long connection to Shakespeare almost from the very founding of the city.

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The library’s Jill Gage, who curated “Creating Shakespeare,” joins host Eddie Arruza with some artifacts that didn’t make it into the exhibit – they’re being seen exclusively on Chicago Tonight.

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The “Creating Shakespeare” exhibition at the Newberry Library is on view through Dec. 31. It is free and open to the public, as is a conversation with renowned theater director Mary Zimmerman at 6 p.m. Wednesday.


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