"O call back yesterday, bid time return..."
In 1970, Baker College at Rice University began a tradition of student-produced theatrical productions which became Houston's longest-running Shakespeare festival, Baker Shakespeare. In celebration of the birthday of the Bard of Avon, and the ongoing BakerShake Semicentennial, fans of Baker Shakespeare are cordially invited to participate in any of the following events:
- Play a part in Baker Shakespeare 2021 by recording and submitting a favorite Shakespeare sonnet or speech or a memory of a past BakerShake production, to be archived for posterity and posted on YouTube. You may submit your videos here.
- On the Bard's birthday, 4/23, at 4:23 p.m. (Houston time), click this link to join a live webinar featuring some of the original cast and crew members from the first Baker Shakespeare production (Zoom passcode: Rice). Following this panel discussion, starting at about 5:15, all audience participants are invited to transition with the panelists to a virtual salon (TG) to visit informally with fellow fans of past productions. (This presentation will be video taped and archived.)
- At 7 p.m. (Houston time) on that same evening, April 23, you may also wish to enjoy BYO Bard, presented by Houston's Main Street Theater (founded by Baker Shakespeare alumna Rebecca Greene Udden). Registration is required for this free program.
- Relive the remembrance of things past by viewing the free online preview of the Baker Shakespeare Semicentennial "yearbook." In pictures, program excerpts and the recollections of past directors, players and crew, enjoy a stroll through memories of BakerShake productions of yore.
- And, finally, we invite all fans of Baker Shakespeare to support future productions by contributing to the new Baker Shakespeare Endowment. In just over a year, the fund has already passed the half-way mark to its $100,000 fundraising goal. You may give online here or, for questions or assistance, please contact Baker resident associate Laura Welch Fitch.
Thank you--happy Bard day!
