By KATHARINE RAMSDEN
Born on this day in 1564 and died on this day in 1616, William Shakespeare was a playwright, poet and actor. Although not a Player, he is very much a part of the club’s history, as our founder, Edwin Booth, was considered one of the finest Shakespearean actors of his time (particularly playing Prince Hamlet).
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Widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist, Shakespeare is often called England's national poet and the Bard of Avon or simply the Bard. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are to this day performed more often than those of any other playwright. Shakespeare is arguably the most influential writer in the English language, and his works continue to be studied and reinterpreted.
Katharine Ramsden is a (semi-retired) former journalist and corporate communications executive. A graduate of Mount Holyoke College and Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, she is a recently new Player, avid reader and one time a cappella singer.