Paul Kelly to Headline Shakespeare 400 Celebrations at NSW State Library

Paul Kelly to Headline Shakespeare 400 Celebrations at NSW State Library

To commemorate the 400^th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death on 23 April 2016, the State Library of NSW is staging a major Shakespeare400 celebration to be headlined by acclaimed Australian singer/storyteller Paul Kelly.

Paul Kelly will launch his new Shakespeare inspired album Seven Sonnets & A Song in the historic Mitchell Reading Room on Saturday evening 23 April.

'As the home of Shakespeare in Australia, the State Library is thrilled to be joining the international celebrations to recognise the life and work of the renowned poet and playwright," says NSW State Librarian & Chief Executive Alex Byrne.

'The anniversary offers a unique opportunity for us to highlight the Bard's ongoing literary and cultural significance, and how his work continues to influence us today," says Dr Byrne. 'We're delighted Paul Kelly will be sharing his contemporary response to Shakespeare's genius for the first time at the Library on 23 April."

Complementing this landmark launch, the Library will present a dynamic series of events for all ages, including: a silent film festival, Shakespeare trivia night (21 April) and Shakespeare 400 Fan Day (23 April) featuring roving performers from Bell Shakespeare, a fairy grotto, drawing workshops with award-winning children's author Leigh Hobbs and a sonnet slam!