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Washington, D.C., celebrates Shakespeare

Arts groups in the capital salute Shakespeare with a multitude of events to be held over the next six months.

By Jane Engle, Times Staff Writer
12:00 AM PST, January 07, 2007

ALL of Washington, D.C., becomes a stage this month as dozens of arts organizations embark on a six-month celebration of William Shakespeare, mounting more than 100 performances, exhibits and other events in the capital.

The occasion? There is none, really.

The city's Folger Shakespeare Library marks its 75th anniversary this year, but the Shakespeare in Washington festival wasn't prompted by that, said Rae Bazzarre, spokeswoman for Washington's Kennedy Center.

More broadly, the festival is designed to "celebrate an artist whose vision has been refracted through all artistic disciplines across the world," Michael Kaiser, president of the Kennedy Center, said in announcing the festival.

Among the happenings, which take place at various venues:

? Performances by the American Ballet Theater, the Kirov Ballet and the New York City Ballet, based on interpretations of Shakespearean plays.

"The Supreme Court Hears the Trial of Hamlet," on March 15, in which U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy "presides" over an exploration of the life and actions of the tragic protagonist.

A new production of the tragedy "Coriolanus" by the Royal Shakespeare Company, with performances April 14 to May 6.

"Shakespeare in American Life," an exhibition March 8 to Aug. 18 that uses the Folger's books, manuscripts and art objects to show how the Bard has influenced culture here.

The Library of Congress, from Feb. 1 to July 31, will display lithographs, engravings, theater posters, costume designs and other Shakespearean tributes, and will also run a film series.

Some events and exhibits are free, others require paid tickets. For a calendar and details, visit http://www.shakespeareinwashington.org .

jane.engle@latimes.com