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By Kent Larsen
LDS Artist's Shakespeare Sketchbook Called 'Cliff's Notes with Pictures'
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH -- Well-known LDS artist James C. Christensen's
collaboration this year with the Utah Shakespearean Festival has now yielded
a book, in addition to the two large paintings Christensen already created
for the Festival's 40th anniversary. Christensen and author Renwick St.
James have produced "A Shakespeare Sketchbook," leading Melinda Miller in
the Salt Lake Tribune to write, "If Cliff's Notes came with pictures, they
would aspire to be what 'A Shakespeare Sketchbook' is."
The book was created as a companion to the festival, including short,
enlightened summaries of each of Shakespeare's plays, all illustrated with
Christensen's fantanstic artwork. Christensen told the Tribune's Miller that
he wanted the book to reach everyone, "I just want regular people to say
'Okay, Shakespeare isn't as elitist or difficult as I thought.' I learned a
ton (working on the paintings)."
The book marks the festival's 40th anniversary as well as the festival's
most recent major achievement--producing every one of the Bard's 37 plays.
The festival, which is still led by its visionary founder, LDS Church member
Fred C. Adams, was last year given a Tony Award for best regional theater,
solidifying an already solid reputation as an important theatrical institution.
The Tribune's article also mentions that Christensen is currently working on
murals for the church's new Nauvoo Temple.
Source:
Utah Artist Hopes His 'Shakespeare Sketchbook' Draws People to the Bard
Salt Lake Tribune 24Jun01 A2
By Melinda Miller: Salt Lake Tribune
See also:
LDS Impresario's Shakespearean Vision Honored
LDS Theater Producer's Festival Wins Tony Award
Hallmark Adapts LDS Artist James Christensen's 'Voyage of the Basset' for TV
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