The 23rd of April 2016 saw a fascinating coincidence when World Book Night happened to fall on the day that is celebrated as the birthday of the Bard. To commemorate this, the British Library opened its gates to eager Literature enthusiasts for a night to share their common love for words.  

The evening began with a panel of British writers of the likes of Matt Hague and Satnam Sangara, to name a few. Here the writers engaged the audiences in conversations about their engagement with Literature, while each read out an excerpt from a piece of Literature that would define their journey to become the writers that they are today. The panel was wrapped up by a discussion by each author  telling the audience of their very own tryst with Shakespeare at various points in their lives. This made for an extraordinary discussion where, while acknowledging the genius of the Bard who appeared to be ahead of his time in many of his writings, the authors pointed out how his works are taught in a rather dry and uninteresting manner within school curriculums, that often put off students from gaining an interest at a very young age.  

This stimulating discussion was followed by a night of festivities with music, dance, recitations and even karaoke to bring in the birth anniversary. From the drab classrooms that the authors complained about in the previous discussion, the British Library brought his great works to live in a fun and entertaining way. Live impromptu performances, a live DJ, a spread of Shakespeare inspired treats added to the delights of the evening. Guests also had the chance to browse through the Shakespeare in 10 Acts exhibit at the library.  

All in all, the celebrations were as grand as is only fit for Shakespeare. However, while there was some discussion about the use of Shakespeare and English Literature as a colonizing force by the British Empire, the Bard as largely celebrated as a larger than life figure whose writings were ahead of his time. While it is important to acknowledge the poetic and dramatic genius of Shakespeare, one must not get swept up by the jubilation whilst turning a blind eye to the pitfalls of doing the same.