ASU to celebrate The Bard's 444th
<p>Best-selling author William Shakespeare is having a birthday April 23 – he’ll be 444. <br /> <br />Well, of course The Bard, who wrote what have been described as “universal plays with timeless themes,” won’t be here to celebrate, but Arizona State University is going to have a party for him that day, nonetheless. <br /> <br />Sponsored by the Department of English, the events will include scenes from his most famous love story, a panel discussion, and readings of his erotic poetry complete with Renaissance-themed sweet treats. <br /> <br /><br /><strong>Star-Crossed Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet in Scenes,</strong> 9 a.m.-1 p.m., The Secret Garden (located between Dixie Gammage Hall and West Hall). Students from El Dorado High School, Highland High School, and New School for the Arts and Academics perform scenes from Shakespeare¹s most famous love story back-to-back to create a full production. (Bring a picnic lunch.) <br /><br /><strong>Sensual Shakespeare: Poetry and Dessert,</strong> 2-3 p.m., Durham Language & Literature Building room 316. The English Club performs readings from Shakespeare¹s erotic poetry and serves Renaissance-themed sweet treats in an audience-judged bake-off. <br /><br /><strong>“Civil Shakespeare,” </strong>3:15-4:30 p.m., Durham Language & Literature room 316. A panel discussion featuring panelists Jean Brink (Professor Emerita, English), John Ratliff (Professor Emeritus, English), Margaret Knapp (Professor, Theatre & Film), and Ayanna Thompson (Assistant Professor, English). <br /><br />All events are free of charge and open to the public. For more information, contact Bradley Ryner, (480) 965.4182, or <a href="mailto:bradley.ryner@asu.edu">bradley.ryner@asu.edu</a>. <br /> <br />Parking is available for $3 per hour in the Fulton Center Garage, College Avenue and University Drive. <br /> <br />Free park and ride for the Orbit bus system also is available at the Big Lots parking lot, McKellips Street and Scottsdale Road (Earth Route) and at Grace Community Church, Dorsey Lane and Southern Avenue, Tempe (Jupiter Route).</p>