...is Ashland, Oregon, home of the largest theatrical season in America dedicated to the Bard of Stratford On Avon. The brainchild of the festival was actor/teacher Angus Bowmer, who put on "The Merchant of Venice" as part of a Summer theatrical festival in 1937. Seventy some years on and the plays now number a dozen--about four by Mr. W.S. every year--and several more by playwrights as diverse as August Wilson, Tom Stoppard and Anton Chekhov. The plays attract folks from all over the world and run in repertory from February to October. I try to see two or three plays a year, usually not in the Summer because I'm (a) cheap and the bargain prices are in the Spring and Fall and (b) I'm a little allergic to crowds.
Having seen a few plays in major cities, I can say without doubt that the quality of the productions here are as good as anything you'll see on the West Coast. 
Here he is, the big dude himself, along the side of a local hotel. This culture trap make millions, makes tourists pay a lot of local taxes, and this guy's heirs don't see a dime in royalties. Life really isn't fair, is it?
In my next blog, I post some of my recent pictures of the ol' hometown. In the meantime, here's a link to the festival. (below)
pictured above: The Elizabethan Theater, taken from the festival square
I love the way they included the book in the painting, lovely touch!
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