A new life size statue of William Shakespeare was unveiled in Stratford-upon-Avon on 23 February as part of the town’s celebrations commemorating the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.
Situated in Bancroft Gardens, the statue entitled ‘Young Will’ has been gifted by sculptor Lawrence Holofcener, who travelled from the USA to present the town with the sculpture on his 90th birthday.
The multi-talented Mr Holofcener, who in previous careers was a successful Broadway actor, songwriter, and playwright, dedicated the sculpture to the actors, tourists and townspeople of Stratford with a personalised poem.
The statue portrays a young William Shakespeare with one leg raised on a bench, holding a scroll of parchment.
Mr Holofcener revealed during the ceremony that the scroll that young Will is holding is not a play but the lines for one actor, a technique that Elizabethan actors were accustomed to.
Stratford district council hopes ‘Young Will’ will prove a popular spot in the town – it’s certainly the perfect place for a Shakespeare selfie.
Go here for more on Lawrence Holofcener.
Go here for more on Stratford-upon-Avon’s 2016 Shakespeare Celebrations.
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