Local poets are celebrating after Sonnets for Shakespeare was a success at the prestigious 22nd Annual Shakespeare Graduate Festival.  Poets from all over the world - including the USA - joined local poets to support two organisations: The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and Shakespeare`s Globe Theatre and to keep Shakespeare`s work alive with an anthology of poetry and artwork from around the globe.  

The event was co-chaired by Founders of Sonnets for Shakespeare, Ian Henery and Lucy Heuschen, with contributions from local poets Ellis Unchained and Daniel Kay.  According to Lucy, "without the support of the public Shakespeare`s Birthplace Trust and Shakespeare`s Globe Theatre may not survive to ensure future generations enjoy Shakespeare in then same way that we have during our lifetimes.  Sonnets For Shakespeare exists to support them through COVID and beyond".  

Lucy Heuschen believes that in the 21st century Shakespeare`s themes of love, honour, power, revenge , family, mercy and forgiveness are all as relevant as they ever were.  "We bring both the history and the future of Shakespeare alive through readings of appreciation and modern interpretations of the Bard`s meaning" she said.

  Sonnets for Shakespeare presented an appreciation of the Bard, his works, characters, history, places, themes and relevance in the 21st century.  The event showcased work from a diverse group of authors fro around the world with special features:  

(1) Poetry from the Anthology, including a preview of new work;  

(2) "What Shakespeare Means To me" - personal accounts of Shakespeare encounters, experiences and meaning;  

(3) tribute to the staff of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the Globe and the wider theatre community who are currently furloughed or unemployed;  

(4) "Shakespeare`s Tongue" - an exclusive reading of work by the recently rediscovered Midlands poet and scholar of the 1920s, Harold Percival Kingston.  

"This event is dedicated to the staff of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and Shakespeare`s Globe Theatre " explained Lucy Heuschen.  "We know that you have all been deeply affected by the closure of our places in history, culture and performance.  Income affected, job prospects unsure, health implications of reopening safely so that staff and visitors alike c an prosper again under Shakespeare`s legacy.  Like many in the arts sector the future is still uncertain.  We hope that these readings, in your honour, you will feel uplifted through our shared love for William Shakespeare and all the good things that he has given us."  

According to Lucy, the work ranges from traditional sonnet form to modern free verse and how the forms and themes used by Shakespeare are still relevant today.  "Events like this demonstrate how by bringing together the arts and academic communities  Shakespeare can continue to thrive in the 21st century".