This Saturday is the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death. It is certainly difficult – nearly impossible, in fact – to properly gauge the Bard’s influence on history, the art of theater, language and modern popular culture. He seems to be everywhere already, so why pay homage to a four-centuries-dead Elizabethan author who has caused so much angst in high school literature classes?

The answer is simple: Shakespeare brings us together. It’s that act of going to the theater, handing the usher your ticket, finding your seat and sitting in a space for the next three hours alongside a completely unique group of people. It’s laughing and crying with old friends and with strangers. It’s not completely understanding what the actors are saying on stage but feeling the palpable energy that accompanies the verses. It’s that incomprehensible connection with the actors and the audience that creates magic in the air.

Do I have you convinced of the power of Shakespeare yet? I urge you to join the Calvin Theatre Company this weekend and next as we bring his words to life in “Love’s Labour’s Lost” — a play about youth, and springtime and being in love. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the life of Shakespeare and marvel at the vitality and relevance of his works.

“Love’s Labour’s Lost” runs April 21-23 and 28-30 in the Gezon Auditorium. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. Student tickets are $5 each.