THE LEARNING CURVE Spring 2012
Art History, Archaeology, Astronomy, History, Literature, Philosophy, Music

Understanding Shakespeare: from Word Play to Life Lessons

Every year a healthy theatre community provides some Shakespeare for its audiences.  This year is no exception. Arizona Repertory Theatre will stage Julius Caesar; and not far away, Cedar City is readying The Merry Wives of Windsor as well as Hamlet for summer fare.  This new five week class offers a wonderful chance to study a play, discuss its workings, and prepare for opportunities to see the work staged.

Though many people anticipate a struggle with Shakespeare’s language and this keeps them from engaging with his marvelous plays, in truth, his use of language is more inspired than difficult.  Brush aside your concerns and join us for a discussion of three of the bard’s best known works. You’ll develop background that will increase your understanding and consider what it is that Shakespeare does with his language, his characters and his themes. Laugh at the foibles of Falstaff in Merry Wives of Windsor, walk the halls of Elsinore with Hamlet and watch history meld with hero journey in Julius Caesar. You’ll come away with a new appreciation for Shakespeare’s genius. 
Please come to each of the play discussions having read the play.  (Recommended edition: Folgers Paperback Series) 

Week 1: General background for understanding and help for the modern reader
Week 2: Discussion of The Merry Wives of Windsor
Week 3:  Discussion of Julius Caesar
Week 4: Discussion of Hamlet
Week 5: Conclusion of Hamlet Discussion
When: Tuesdays, Feb 7 – Mar 6, 9:30-11:30am
Where: La Posada, 5900 N. Oracle Rd. (Santa Fe Room)
Cost: $135 (6 sessions)

Instructor: Mike Wilkinson, M.A. has been involved with teaching Shakespeare in one form or another for the last 38 years.  He has led thousands of students to understand and embrace the plays of the Bard.  As an Advanced Placement educator, an adjunct professor at Seattle University and Southern Oregon State College, he has annually developed teaching curricula featuring Shakespeare and taken students and adults to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for over thirty years.  In addition, Mr. Wilkinson has directed and acted in Shakespearean plays over the years.  He has also instructed students in The Shakespearean Sonnets as Poetry.  In 2007 he was awarded the Pierce County Arts Educator of the year award as well as having been selected as his institution’s first Exemplary Teacher for his work with his students.

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