By Kylian Galtier / Staff Writer

Missouri Valley College celebrated Shakespeare’s 460^th birthday, on April 23 in Eckilson-Mabee Theatre.

As in previous years, this event was organized by professor of theatre Harold Hynick.

“Every year I do something for Shakespeare’s birthday just to try to raise awareness that even those he has been dead for over 400 years, his works are still important and they live on,” he said. 

During this event, students had the opportunity to perform a Shakespearean monologue on stage. It is a difficult exercise that brings a lot to those who did it.

Students Kaya McCory who performed Lady MacBeth said she enjoys being on stage and spending time memorizing lines.

“It helps me feel accomplished afterwards knowing I can stand in front of a crowd and stay focused on the end goal which is my character,” she said. “This monologue was definitely out of my comfort zone which helped me feel even more accomplished afterwards.”

For students, this celebration was also the opportunity to discuss about Shakespeare and his works. Shakespeare is probably the most famous playwrite that has ever existed. His impact on theatre is still important, even centuries after his death.

“Shakespeare has influenced countless writers and thinkers,” Hynick said. “If you don’t have a basic understanding of his plays, you are apt to miss the point of more modern works and ideas that reference his plays, themes and characters.”

For students, celebrating Shakespeare’s birthday was natural because of its role in theatre history. 

“Shakespeare is really interesting and he deserves to be honored,” said student Noel Nunn-Faron who performed Ophelia from Hamlet.