Why Shakespeare? Directed by Lawrence Bridges
This was Lawrence Bridges’ first major documentary film, made in 2003 for the National Endowment for the Arts. Actors Tom Hanks, Martin Sheen, William Shatner, Christina Applegate, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael York, Julie Taymor, and Bill Pullman along with school children and lovers of Shakespeare give testimony to the power and importance of Shakespeare. Why Shakespeare? makes a compelling case for the study and performance of his plays and sonnets at all levels, and the transformative effect it can have in the lives of inner city youth.