The English poet, playwright and actor has been gone for four centuries, but his plays live on, and we’re commemorating those works with four FREE Fridays of top-notch BBC productions. From the Elizabethan stage to stage at The State, we bring you a month-long series that includes an introduction to The Bard and three British Broadcasting Corporation plays ~ and all at no charge. Shakespeare and Us ~ A fascinating and fun exploration of Shakespeare and his role in shaping British culture and character by the noted historian Simo Schama Fri. April 22 at noon Taming of The Shrew ~ A modern update starring the criminally underappreciated Shirley Henderson Fri. April 29 at noon A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1971)~ A truly all-star production for theater buffs featuring Lynn Redgrave, Michael Gambon, Eileen Atkins, Edward Fox, Eleanor Bron, Robert Stephens and Ronnie Barker Fri. May 6 at noon As You Like It (1963; 2 Hrs. 15 Min.) ~ A charming black-and-white adaptation of the Royal Shakespeare Company production starring Vanessa Redgrave Ian Richardson Fri. May 13 at noon Contact : State Theatre Phone : BOX OFFICE (209) 527-4697 Email : Web Site : thestate.org