The British Council and Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press (FLTRP) launched a new bilingual edition of Shakespeare's folio today, including the complete translation of Shakespeare's works in 39 volumes.[Photo by Hu Zhe/chinadaily.com.cn]

This weekend marks the 400 anniversary of Shakespeare's death and a wide range of activities and events are being held around the globe to commemorate the playwright.The release of this new bilingual edition of Shakespeare's folio is an essential part of the many celebration events in China.

"This new translation of Shakespeare's folio is truly significant, thanks to Shakespeare's supreme ability to capture the essence of the human condition. Shakespeare's work today is as vital and relevant today as it was 400 years ago,” said Carma Elliot , minister (Culture and Education) of the British Embassy in China, and Country Director of the British Council China, who attended today's launching ceremony.

Along with the release of this new bilingual collection of Shakespeare’s works, there is another campaign starting today which involves the creativity of the public - a competition that allows members of the public to submit their translations of Shakespeare. The winners will be published by FLTRP, which aims to encourage the public to share their interpretation of some excerpts of Shakespeare’s classic works.