Watch CBS News

Theater Company Seeks Support To Perform Shakespeare In Detroit

DETROIT (WWJ) - A Detroit woman wants to turn her hometown into a thriving Shakespearean epicenter.

Samantha White founded her theater company, "Shakespeare in Detroit," in 2012.

"I felt there was a void and wanted to fill that void," White told WWJ Newsradio 950's Tom Jordan.

When she recently produced "Othello" in Grand Circus Park to rave reviews, hundreds of people showed up for the free performance. Many of them, White said, had never before had the opportunity to experience William Shakespeare's works preformed live.

White said the August show was just the beginning; "Shakespeare in Detroit" plans three more shows in the coming months.

White will this week be launching a Kickstarter campaign to raise money for upcoming programs, which include "Antony and Cleopatra," "The Tempest," and "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

She said Shakespeare represents a critical component for any thriving city.

"People might come to a city for a job, but the reason why they stay, the reason why they wanna visit here, is because of the experience," White said. "In order to have a thriving, healthy city, the arts can't be left out of the conversation."

Learn more at ShakespeareinDetroit.com, on Facebook at this link, or following the company on Twitter @ShakesintheD.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.