An exhibition entitled "All the World's a Stage: Shakespeare in Taiwan" will open late September in Tainan in southern Taiwan, as part of a worldwide initiative to commemorate the 400th death anniversary of William Shakespeare.
The exhibition will showcase precious artifacts related to the prolific playwright, including old editions of his works and artwork portraying Shakespeare and his characters.
The exhibition is jointly organized by the National Museum of Taiwan Literature, the British Council in Taiwan and the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
According to exhibition curator Liang Wen-ching, the exhibition will introduce the life of the playwright, as well as showcase artifacts and works that he inspired.
The exhibition will include 12 items borrowed from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, including a bust of Shakespeare; porcelain and containers printed with characters from his works; a 17th-century desk box; and Nicholas Rowe's "Works of William Shakespeare," which was published in 1709 and is considered the first modern edition of Shakespeare's plays.
The exhibition will also feature props, stage stills and posters of Shakespeare's plays that have been adapted by Taiwanese theater troupes, like the Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company and the Contemporary Legend Theatre.
According to Liang, Shakespeare is the most important playwright of the English-speaking world whose works have influenced generations of writers.
"The significance of the Taiwan exhibition is that we can showcase the vitality of Taiwanese theater troupes through Shakespeare's works," Liang said.
The exhibition will run from Sept. 30, 2015 to Jan. 3, 2016 at the National Museum of Taiwan Literature.
According to the museum, this will be the most comprehensive exhibition on Shakespeare ever held in Taiwan.
All over the world, the literary community is preparing for the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death in 2016, and will be commemorating it by celebrating his life and works.