Imprimis: Links and Tidbits, 18 February 2010

An eclectic mix of links this week, covering a range of topics. We've also started posting some of the most relevant Shakespeare news to our Facebook page, so you can keep a watch for information there as well.

• Shakespeare is Everywhere: The New York Times has published an article which mostly focuses on the abundance of Shakespeare currently showing in the Big Apple, but which also discusses Shakespeare's lasting appeal and how to entice audiences that might be a touch jaded.
• A piece from the Dakota Student on the importance of the arts: "Why is it so essential that we support the National Endowment for the Arts, arts education, and the arts in general? Beyond the economic benefits, there are many more. How about the fact that nearly any recent study on the subject links academic success with exposure to and participation in the arts? The values of creativity, leadership, and innovation that the arts foster are more good reasons. Also, the arts provide an opportunity for community citizens to interact and communicate via mediums that have no right or wrong answer and no winner or loser. The arts celebrate heritage and express culture, as well as promote diversity, tolerance, and ultimately, a value in individuality." Sarah says: I couldn't have said it better myself... though I keep trying!
• Michael Kaiser, President of the JFK Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, asks: "What's wrong with the arts?"
  
• Teachers and students demonstrating how to learn Shakespeare by doing and by acting rather than by reading alone. Sarah says: Now that's what I'm talking about!
• Additionally, another school discusses the advantages of introducing primary school students to Shakespeare.
  
• Stephen Greenblatt discusses the possibility of Shakespeare as a re-writer and the ephemeral nature of writing composition today.
• The UK Guardian discusses the language lessons of the King James Bible (which turns 400 this year, and which Shakespeare may have had a hand in composing), including that familiarity with KJV Bible versions makes Shakespeare's plays more accessible.
  
• Pajiba.com reviews the best and worst modern Shakespeare adaptations. Check the list out and see if you agree with their assessment.
  
• Three women have been honored for their letters to Juliet, singled out from the 40,000 missives that Juliet Capulet of Verona received this year. The Juliet Club strives to respond to every message in the language in which the original author sends it.

Next week, ASC education will be super-busy with the Poetry Out Loud competition, a day with the Federal Executive Institute, and the first of our Little Academes for the semester. Be sure to keep a watch on Twitter for updates on all of our events.