April 23rd is accepted as the day of the month in 1616 when Shakespeare died, and also, by anecdotal confirmation, the day that he celebrated his birthday. So, this day, in the present year, is being remembered as the 400th anniversary of both of these events. Regardless of the date, the fact remains that the poet and his works are brilliantly alive. From his birthplace to Russia, the Orient, the Americas, and the Antipodes, he is not forgotten. The Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre is well to the fore, and to mark the celebration, Rebekah Scallet, the company's producing artistic director, has chosen a right royal feast of plays. Coincidentally, the Theatre is celebrating an anniversary of its own. This year is the 10th season for the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre. Rebekah is a guest on Arts Scene for this episode to speak of the whys and where fores of the choices for the season.
The Arkansas Rep closes its 2015-2016 season with a world premiere, "Windfall." (It is also the last production for the Rep under Bob Hupp's leadership, as he moves on to Syracuse, N.Y.) It is directed by Jason Alexander and opens on Friday, June 10th. Sarah Whites-Koditschek, KUAR news team member, interviews Mr. Alexander in the above program.