Long before there were films, there were plays,  some of the best of them written by William Shakespeare. 

This year marks the 400th anniversary of his death and the Los Angeles Public Library is commemorating this anniversary with a new exhibition titled "America's Shakespeare - The Bard Goes West."

The show demonstrates the influence the famous British playwright has had on California's history and culture.

Ken Brecher is president of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles. He took Take Two's Alex Cohen on a tour of the exhibit.

To listen to the interview, click on the blue media player above.