Photo Coverage: Former Gov. Deval Patrick & Ted Koppel Join Shakespeare & Co. For July 4th Celebration

Former Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts, journalist Ted Koppel, invited dignitaries, and special guests came together for a stirring public reading of one of the most potent and influential documents in history. They read the Declaration of Independence at the annual Shakespeare & Company All-American Independence Day Celebration.

"It's one of the most influential documents in history," said Artistic Director Jonathan Croy. "Every year, hundreds of people gather to hear the reading, people from the community, weekend guests, visitors from across the globe; and it's quite moving-direct, thoughtful, and passionate. It's a document that says much about who we are, and I can't think of a better way to celebrate our independence than a reminder of how this all started."

Located in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, Shakespeare & Company is one of the largest Shakespeare Festivals in the country. Founded in 1978 by Tina Packer, the organization attracts tens of thousands of patrons annually. The Company is also home to a renowned Center for Actor Training, as well as an award-winning Education Program. More information is available at www.shakespeare.org

Photo Credit: Stephen Sorokoff

Ted Koppel & Former Governor Deval Patrick

Gov. Deval Patrick

Grace Anne Dorney Koppel, Ted Koppel & Tina Packer, Founder Shakespeare & Co.

Ted Koppel

Kenneth E. Werner, Chair, Board of Trustees, & Gov. Deval Patrick

Shakespeare & Company

Jonathan Croy, Co-Artistic Director

Elizabeth Aspenlieder, Shakespeare & Company

Ted Koppel & Readers

Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Ted Koppel

July 4th Shakespeare & Company

July 4th Shakespeare & Company

Tina Packer Playhouse

Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre

Shakespeare & Company

Shakespeare & Company

Eda Sorokoff, Elizabeth Aspenlieder, Laura Sorokoff Gelman, Caroline Sorokoff, director Gold Coast Arts Center