Shakespeare Society Presents | Shakespeare in New York: Booth and Forrest

In 1849, the actor Edwin Forrest inspired a riot at Astor Place over national pride in Shakespeare interpretation. In 1864, at the Winter Garden Theater, Edwin Booth redefined American Shakespeare with his "Hundred Night Hamlet." Throughout our city’s modern history, the 16th century English playwright William Shakespeare has found a home in New York City. The Shakespeare Society partners with the Library on an evening of Shakespeare recitation, expert commentary, and archival exploration, celebrating historic men who shared Shakespeare with our city.