Sharing Shakespeare: Measure for Measure
Back by popular demand, the Aspen Institute presents the Sharing Shakespeare Series, curated by Tom Buesch, PhD. Exploring another round of William Shakespeare’s plays, volunteer moderators will lead participants through lively discussions dissecting the intriguing themes and characters in Shakespeare that still resonate today. Participants will read one play per month and share their insights and questions to reach a fuller understanding of the Bard’s works.
Dates and Times: Monday nights from 5:30–7:00 pm MT October 11, November 15, December 13, January 24, February 14, March 14, April 18, May 23, June 13.
Location: Zoom (virtual series)
Fee: $135, includes all sessions and reading materials. Scholarships available. Registration is now closed. Please email katie.carlsen@aspeninstitute.org to be put on the wait list or for further information.
Module 1
October 11: Othello
In this session, Sandi and Ted will discuss the Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice. Their inquiries will center around the following topics: Would Lago have been successful acting alone (or “If you see something, say something”)? Is it love, jealousy or ownership? Is Othello isolated? Why is he isolated (or not) and how does it lead to his downfall, if he is?
Moderators: Sandi Kister and Ted Frisbie
November 15: The Taming of the Shrew
The battle of the sexes a fight as old as time. Who comes out on top?
Moderators: Cathy O’Connell and Fred Venrick
December 13: Measure for Measure
Talk about timely. Theaters everywhere look for plays about social justice. They should turn to Measure for Measure. But this play is about much more. It’s about what is just, whether an eye for an eye or a measure for measure. About mercy tempered with justice. About forgiveness after abuse. About personal responsibility. And about political leadership, including the abrogation thereof. Finally, Measure for Measure is about the nature of theater as a collaborative art form. We will discuss such a seemingly-simple question of whether the play is a comedy or a tragedy.
Moderators: Carol and Ken Adelman
Module 2
January 24: King Henry IV, Part 1 moderated by Bernie and Donna Grauer
February 14: Coriolanus moderated by Doug Peckham and Carl Lucero
March 14: King Henry IV, Part 2 moderated by Dipika Rai and Howie Mallory
Module 3
April 18: All’s Well that Ends Well moderated by Cari Shurman and Gerry VanderBeek
May 23: Troilus and Cressida moderated by Mike and Roberta McGowan
June 13: Henry V moderated by Julie Comins and Greg Pickrell