As Shakespeare became part of the cultural language of America, a lingua franca, there began a series of actions that ultimately led to a national shrine to Shakespeare being established in the USA. Americans began to express their interest in and celebration of Shakespeare in a manner that went beyond the printed page or theatre stage. However, few citizens were aware that nationalism, commercial opportunity and Shakespeare had been combined in a manner that reflected American enterprise culture.

IN STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

In 1875, a letter published in the New York Times revealed that some Americans had been working to provide their nation with a greater share of the Shakespeare heritage. Writing in support of a campaign to encourage American financial involvement in the building of a theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in England, Mark Twain demonstrated his admiration for his countrymen and his continued ambivalence towards England and Shakespeare. The letter informed readers that a committee had already been established in the rural Warwickshire town with the specific purpose of raising the necessary funds to build a memorial theatre. Twain had been asked by a friend to organise a collection of subscriptions from American citizens who, in return for their donation of one hundred pounds, would each become a ‘governor’ of the completed theatre.

Twain, the consummate storyteller, managed to convert this simple appeal for donations into a piece of ‘entertainment’ and an opportunity to celebrate American character, enterprise and vision.