LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending New York Classical Theatre upon the
occasion of celebrating the 400th Anniversary of the Life and Works of
William Shakespeare, to be feted with a year-long celebration

WHEREAS, The arts, in whatever form depicted, are central to human
expression; they are truly a universal language and their contribution
to the development of friendship and understanding among all peoples
cannot be underestimated; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality of
life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched by its
exceptional cultural, educational and recreational institutions; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
New York Classical Theatre in New York City upon the occasion of cele-
brating the 400th Anniversary of the Life and Works of William Shakes-
peare, to be celebrated with a myriad of events and celebrations planned
throughout the year; and
WHEREAS, On Thursday, April 21, 2016, New York Classical Theatre
kicked off the year-long celebration of the 400th Anniversary of William
Shakespeare at a benefit featuring a Royal Tribute to Board Chair Emeri-
tus, Jon Lukomnik; the event included pop-up performances and an Eliza-
bethan Feast which offered historic foods curated for the modern palate;
and
WHEREAS, New York Classical Theatre presents free productions of popu-
lar classics and forgotten masterpieces that pop-up in non-traditional
public spaces throughout New York City; and
WHEREAS, For more than 16 years, New York Classical Theatre has
presented approximately 550 free performances for over 165,000 New York-
ers; its productions occur both outdoors in Central Park, Prospect Park,
Battery Park, Governors Island, Battery Park City and Brooklyn Bridge
Park, and indoors in Brookfield Place, One Liberty Plaza and various
other venues; and
WHEREAS, New York Classical Theatre also plays an important role in
revitalizing neighborhoods through its productions; in 2006, it
presented Schiller's "Mary Stuart" in Castle Clinton, the first play to
be performed there in 100 years, and three years later, its production
of Shakespeare's "The Tempest" re-opened Castle Clinton after the flood-
ing of Hurricane Sandy; and
WHEREAS, This summer, in celebration of the Bard's life and work, New
York Classical Theatre will present two of his most beloved plays, "A
Midsummer Night's Dream" and "The Winter's Tale"; and
WHEREAS, Today, under the visionary guidance of Board Chair Emeritus,
Jon Lukomnik, New York Classical Theatre stands proud and prominent,
always looking to the future and the needs of those it serves; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend New York Classical Theatre upon the occasion of celebrating the
400th Anniversary of the Life and Works of William Shakespeare, to be
celebrated with a myriad of events and celebrations planned throughout
the year; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Board Chair Emeritus, Jon Lukomnik, New York Classical Thea-
tre.