The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 19.0525  Friday, 5 September 2008

From:      Hardy M. Cook <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date:      Friday, September 05, 2008
Subject:   Shakespeare Center Founders Celebrated

See Video at website:
http://www.nbc29.com/Global/story.asp?S=8948867&nav=menu496_2_5

Shakespeare Center Founders Celebrated

Wednesday night, Staunton celebrated two men who put a city stage on a global 
map. Ralph Cohen and Jim Warren co-founded the American Shakespeare Center. Now, 
the Commonwealth is honoring their contribution to Virginia Arts with a rare 
recognition.

The two men will receive the Governor's Award for the Arts. It's only the third 
time in 30 years that a governor has given out this honor. The theater leaders 
received a standing ovation.

To be or not to be? That was the question Cohen and Warren faced at the 
beginning of their quest to bring the Bard's works to a Staunton stage. Warren 
insisted, "We didn't find Staunton. In some ways Staunton found us."

The pair co-founded the ASC as a traveling troupe of actors 20 years ago. In 
1995, Staunton city leaders offered the idea of settling down on a home stage. 
"They made a dream work," said Cohen.

Seven years ago this month Shakespeare's plays were performed for the first time 
at the Blackfriars Theatre. This September, Virginia is recognizing Cohen and 
Warren for their contribution to the arts in the Commonwealth.

Cohen shared, "I've been overcome with how far you can move and how fast if you 
have the right friends and the right community."

While they credit Staunton for their success, the pair's dream has made the city 
a destination for a quarter million theatre goers. Those visitors spurred the 
revitalization of Staunton's historic Stonewall Jackson Hotel next door.

"For this cultural renaissance to take root that was already going on in 
Staunton, but along with us it's just continued to blossom," said Warren.

But if you ask these two men that blossom is just budding. Cohen and Warren's 
current vision will build a recreation of Shakespeare's second Globe Theatre in 
Staunton by 2014.

"We'll be the only place in the world where his outdoor theatre and his indoor 
theatre are in the same spot," predicted Warren.

Cohen added, "I think we can be the great theatre city of America."

Cohen and Warren say that project will take contributions and support from 
Shakespeare fans across the country. The two men will receive their Governor's 
Award later this month at a ceremony in Richmond.

_______________________________________________________________
S H A K S P E R: The Global Shakespeare Discussion List
Hardy M. Cook, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The S H A K S P E R Web Site <http://www.shaksper.net>

DISCLAIMER: Although SHAKSPER is a moderated discussion list, the opinions 
expressed on it are the sole property of the poster, and the editor assumes no 
responsibility for them.

Subscribe to Our Feeds

Search

Make a Gift to SHAKSPER

Consider making a gift to support SHAKSPER.