April 23, 2014. Copyright 2014, Graphic News. All rights reserved.

Birthday Bard
By Liam Bolton

LONDON, April 23, Graphic News: The 450th anniversary of William Shakespeare's birth is celebrated on April 23.
Born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the pre-eminent writer in the English language. Once he moved to London, the young actor and playwright was famously described as an "upstart crow" in a 1592 pamphlet by a contemporary jealous of his success. Shakespeare is generally accepted to have written some 37 plays. His early work consisted mainly of histories and comedies, which were unprecedented in their depth of storytelling. In the later stages of his career he unleashed a series of tragedies including Hamlet, Macbeth and Othello. These plays often explored the darker side of human nature, demonstrating Shakespeare's mastery of characterisation. Often termed the Bard of Avon, the 450th anniversary of his birth takes place on April 23 and will be celebrated worldwide.
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