Commentary: New Zealand’s sad, silly rejection of Shakespeare

“Thou art the cap of all the fools alive.” So says Apemantus to the title character in the William Shakespeare play “Timon of Athens.” He might also direct his insult at New Zealand’s arts council. After 30 years, it has chosen to end government funding for Shakespeare in Schools, a program in which students interact with the Bard’s works through acting, directing, costume design and other creative forms of engagement.

Among the reasons for not renewing the grants, Creative New Zealand said the Shakespeare