The Company was launched in 1990 by John Bell, an Australian living national treasure. Why in Australia? To show Shakespeare in the Australian context, with Oz accents and contemporary design and music, and especially with a non-exclusively-Anglo Celtic background. The "Actors at Work" and "Shakespeare in Action" programs tour Australia, going to disadvantaged schools at no cost to the children. There are matinees for secondary schools, with a half-hour interaction with the actors after the plays. Workshops are also done for teachers. The Company operates on only 12% funding from the government, with 58% coming from the box office. There are 280 performances per year. Visit the website at  http://www.bellshakespeare.com.au