Granted, there are far more iconic images of theater that have been left out, but beyond one’s solipsistic circle, for the world, for the history of theater, Shakes is one of those images. How about simply adding some more and suggesting others instead of the freshman bile?

Thanks for the comment. That’s a great point about the lack of idolatry in this depiction of Shakespeare. For such an renowned figure, his likeness seems remarkable “cool” (by that I mean, lacking the heat of any clear association with a particular ideology). Is that accurate? If it is, how does the image of Shakespeare avoid (to a large degree) overt ideological associations?

Anyway – as for iconic images of theatre that have been left out? Any suggestions? Thanks!

I’ll see you at Bentley’s. I’ll be wearing a sneer and carrying a dead seagull.

“Wheeler you old Stinkiovsy aurochs-felcher. What the devil are you doing in these parts? Still railing against The Bard are we? I went through that phase too. How’s it going for you?”

if this in fact happens, i will buy the beer.

then we can talk about how you a manage to get away with calling me names and asking me why i think you’re talking to me in the same breath.

But, enough for now of me pushing your silly little buttons. If you & I happen to meet up in Stratford (haha), I promise you I will buy you a beer, and I'll call you a Stinkiovsy aurochs-felcher to your face.

On to your comments Mary:

1
Really, I feel like I will work at Stratford one day. Likely as a director, unlikely to be working on Shakespeare however. In any case, one of my better qualities is my attitude in the rehearsal room, so I doubt that will have much to do with it either way.

2
This borders on solipsism, and is definitely elitist, but I’m so sick and tired of people painting those of us who do not enjoy Shakespeare as ignorant and unintelligent that frankly it’s worth risking it:

Separate from my professional practice, I have 4 years of an English Literature degree from McGill (with distinction), followed by 2 more years of lectures from Robert Brustein and Harold Bloom at Harvard, followed by 4 years of as an educator teaching classical text to thousands of teens.

At what point am I qualified to say: I “get” Shakespeare, but I don’t like him?

3
Yikes.

4
Really? I had no idea. I thought anon wanted me to pick up a copy of the play.

1 - Be honest. You’re just bitter, because you will never EVER work at Stratford. Because of your lousy attitude (vicious circle).

2 - I have no doubt you’ve got a mental block and will never “get” Shakespeare, but let’s remember this conversation was initially about the world — not about you.

3 - You claim to speak for other people as well as yourself. In that capacity, I have no choice but to call you a bullsh*t jive turkey.

4 - “Bent” is a pretentious wank of a play and a travesty of the (very real) Holocaust. “Get bent” is a British-ism akin to “get stuffed”.

Shakespeare was the man who knocked Theatre out of the park, and defined our very notion of excellence. He remains so, and is recognized as such in every corner of the world. End of argument.