Renaissance Shakespeare – Shakespeare Renaissances ****************************************************************************************** * Renaissance Shakespeare – Shakespeare Renaissances ****************************************************************************************** 17. 7. 2011, National Theatre Ladies and gentleman, dear colleagues, dear participants in the 9th world Shakespeare congress, and also you, faithful viewers for whom the theatre with a fitting name The Globe never ce at its beginning was a word that was not consumed by flames (as was the wooden constructio today it sounds in all languages of our global world. Without it, our world would be poore less cogent… It is a honor for me and a pleasure to greet you in the name of the Charles university in faculty of Arts is a co-organizer of this important, unique and at the same time tradition Vancouver, Stradford-upon-Avon, Berlin, Tokio, Los Angeles, Valencia, University of Queens What these seemingly disparate places in all corners of the world have in common is the fa served as locations for world Shakespeare congresses so far. And they are a proof and illu that word, which is the basis of Shakespearean theatre World this world also permanently c and universally connects. And how this word is powerful and at the same time intimately cl regardless of when it was first pronounced it is permanently incredibly alive and crosses of space and time, still having internal imagination and strength to address all those who capable to listen. Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, King Lear and Merchant of Venice have no problem to communicate viewers around the globe. Not because they would be traveling cosmopolitans speaking by al languages, but because they touch us with messages that make our lives richer. They make r (even though we ourselves are unable to make it a better place) in which Shakespeare’s  „T not only a metaphor and allegory, but primarily a genius act of creativity, filled with fa and becoming a globally shared experience. I have no doubts that also this congress with its thematic leitmotiv “Renaissance Shakespe Renaissances” will be such a shared inspiring experience. Since Shakespeare’s legacy is no constant, but also (and perhaps primarily) a living inspiration challenging us to look for shapes, meanings and interpretations. I am proud that Charles University is home to import personalities that proudly and successfully take up on that challenge. As examples standing for many I would like to mention a lecturer in English language at CU Faculty of Arts, famous Czech author, poet and translator of the Josef Václav Sládek, who Shakespeare’s dramas. Many of these translations are seriously respected even today. Another is the cofounder of the world Shakespeare congress, professor of English literatur Stříbrný who focused his research interest especially at the life and work of William Shak with a special pleasure and respect I remind you of a honorary member of the Order of the and professor of English lit. at FA CU Martin Hilský (who is also a member of the present Committee), who started his modern translations of WS at the beginning of the eighties’ an crowned them with recently completed translation of Shakespeare’s complete work which is u the first complete translation of entire Shakespeare’s work by a single translator. In addition to famous names and large projects there are also seemingly marginal, small an Shakespearean confessions, which I like because their bearers are students of our universi I mean students of English and American literature FA, who created a theater association C Workshop Production, which since 1996 prepared 11 Shakespeare’s plays in original language Elizabeth England era. It comes as no surprise that many of them participated in seminars Hilský, but is shows how contagious is the enthusiasm for Shakespeare. The accompanying pr year’s congress is enriched by their performance of Winter's Tale and by a feeling that a is finding Shakespeare for themselves (and also for us). And it is a source of optimism th universities (and the ISA – International Shakespeare Association) already prepare those w not only qualification, but also strong personal enthusiasm and commitment to continue in colleagues. Actually, in the grandiose Shakespearean concept of Theatrum Mundi there is not a large ga world of university and the world of Shakespeare’s immortal stories. It is their common di universalism, universal approach that can generalize human experience both in the crystall and in experimental scientific description. It is also the similar accent on the importanc in Shakespeare’s texts evokes emotion and participation, while in the scientific discourse achieved level of understanding and knowledge. Both these worlds are close to each other also because they are not self-centered enclaves has already been said and closed. Every time we enter them, when we watch a new performanc Juliet, or when we are starting a new series of experiments in a biochemistry lab, we have discover something new – for our soul, knowledge or intellect. No doubt we need all of tha why these two worlds, seemingly so disparate, are in fact close and we need their harmonic form and provoke us. It leads us to ask all the time new questions and seek new answers. I unresting spirit that is never consent with what has been already achieved. From this poin the Shakespeare’s legacy is not something finished but rather it is a permanently repeated inspiration for discovery. I am convinced, ladies and gentlemen, that this is one of the important motives of these m I want to thank you for your never ending and inspiring dialogue with William Shakespeare. want to congratulate and to wish. My congratulations go to the President of the Internatio Association Mrs. Judi Dench who has lived with William Shakespeare not only on prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company or National Theatre, but also on the film screen, where she was her role of Queen Elizabeth in “Shakespeare in Love”. A few days ago Mrs. Dench received a at the international Film Festival Karlovy Vary for her exceptional contribution to world Cordial congratulations. And I wish all of you days filled with discovering encounters with top theatre of Queen El wish you discussions as bright as Shakespeare’s dialogues and thoughts worthy replies of h wish you another great time with the Master. And let be fulfilled the ancient slogan of ou QUOD BONUM, FELIX, FAUSTUM, FORTUNATUMQUE EVENIAT