We know that many of our friends have visited or will visit our current exhibition "15 Years, 15 Treasures", but we thought it would be fun to do a series related to the exhibition! So with no further ado we give you our first treasure-Shakespeare!
Frank Stephens sculpting bust of Haines Albright in Shakespearean costume, ca. 1925
The spirit of William Shakespeare played a prominent role in the founding of Arden. The village’s name, Arden, is inspired by the Arden Forest in the Shakespearean work, As You Like It. From the very beginning, Frank Stephens and other Ardenites performed Shakespearean plays in the Field Theatre, located across the Green from the ACSM.
Performance at Field Theater, ca. 1909-1915. Possibly 'As You Like It,' from which the Ardens derives its names. Buzz Ware and unknown person
The tradition of storytelling through theatre has continued to be a part of the fabric of life in the Ardens. Starting with Frank Stephens’ informal troupes, to the Players’ Gild, the Highway Ensemble, and now the Shakespeare Gild, the inspiring works of Shakespeare have always been an integral part of theatre here.
Players Gild, Gild Hall show circa 1930s. Jimmie Ware (upper left), Grace Lance, Edith Brooks, and Mary Morley
Shakepeare in Field Theater, 1995
Written by Abby Harting, Photographs form the Collection of the Arden Craft Shop Museum.
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