This Article is From Apr 23, 2016

Royalty, Barack Obama, Fans Mark 400 Years Since William Shakespeare Died

Royalty, Barack Obama, Fans Mark 400 Years Since William Shakespeare Died

Actors performing in the gardens of author William Shakespeare's birthplace during events to mark 400 years since Shakespeare's death, in Stratford-upon-Avon in central England. (AFP Photo)

London: If all the world's a stage, William Shakespeare is its architect.

The 400th anniversary of the playwright's death is being marked across Britain with parades, church services and - of course - stage performances. The play's the thing, after all.

Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616, his 52nd birthday.

President Barack Obama is visiting Shakespeare's Globe theatre in London on Saturday, and the Royal Shakespeare Company is mounting a stage extravaganza with performances by Judi Dench, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ian McKellen - and even Prince Charles.

Around the world, the Bard is more popular than ever. Dominic Dromgoole, artistic director of Shakespeare's Globe, says the playwright's popularity is only likely to grow.

He says "we haven't scratched the surface of how far and how deep he can speak to different communities."

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
.