AMERICAN SHAKESPEARE
If I think about what inspires me here in these United States in 2026, one certain source of inspiration is the legacy of Saul Elkin (1932-2025), founder of Shakespeare in Delaware Park and co-founder of the Jewish Repertory Theatre of Western New York. I almost titled this re-release “Start Something” because, as you’ll hear, “start something” is what legendary New York City theatre maker Joe Papp challenged Saul to do in the mid-‘70s when he asked who was doing Shakespeare in Buffalo and Saul replied, “Nobody, really.” Joe said, “Start something,” and Saul did. In 1976, Saul started Shakespeare in Delaware Park, which is what this episode focuses on. (Image by kc kratt photography)
A special tribute re-release featuring additional material from my 2019 interview with Saul, the original version of this episode was dropped as “Love’s Labour’s Lit.”
SHOW NOTES
SHAKESPEARE IN DELAWARE PARK. For more information about the Summer 2026 season and more, visit shakespeareindelawarepark.org.
JEWISH REPERTORY THEATRE OF WESTERN NEW YORK. For more information about Jewish Rep, visit their website.
SPECIAL THANKS
Many people support this podcast in one way or another. Some are able to contribute financially, which sustains this passion project to share great ideas about what and how and why we learn. Even making a re-release takes me and my staff of zero other people many more hours than you’d think. Even a nominal gift helps with everything from audio software patches to my subscription to the video meeting platform that allows me to record interviews. There are two easy ways to donate!
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