Escape to an enchanted isle for a magical tale of power, betrayal, revenge, redemption, and true love with John and Suzanne guiding the way.
John and Suzanne are back! This time with a look at The Tempest.
The Savoring Shakespeare series explores Shakespeare’s works at a relaxed pace, the better to enjoy their heights and plumb their powerful depths. We read the plays together, discussing plot, themes, and our feelings as we go along. No expertise is necessary — beginners are welcome. John Miller and Suzanne Sanders assist, giving definitions and highlighting key details, but the main direction of the classes will be decided by your interests. We aim to cover an act a week. You can come for one play, some, or all.
This time we’ll be sharing John’s favorite, The Tempest.
It’s a masterful culmination of Shakespeare’s favorite themes, haunting as a dream, powerful as an ancient fable. Prospero, a formidable magician, was overthrown as Duke of Milan and cast out to an enchanted isle. His lovely daughter, Miranda, has been raised in this fantasy setting, unsullied by the ways of civilization. Ariel, a spirit of fire and air, has been made to serve her father in his magical works. Caliban, a monstrous-looking inhabitant of the island, is forced to do their heavy labor. He chafes under this enslavement where once he was like a king. Learning that his usurpers are sailing nearby, Prospero creates a violent storm to shipwreck them on the shores of his jewel kingdom. He will have his enemies in his clutches; Miranda will meet a young prince; Caliban will taste the nectar of the gods. There’s all that and clowns, schemers, a heartbroken father, even goddesses — all brought to life in vivid, transcendent language.
Are you ready to be whisked off to an idyllic paradise for a tale of revenge and redemption? Talk about a good beach read! To keep us on the same page, we recommend you use the Folger Shakespeare Library’s version of The Tempest, edited by Barbara Mowatt and Paul Werstine, 2015. The text is also available for free on the Folger website. www.folger.edu. Join us for this, the fourth course of our series, where we give the Bard’s masterpieces the time they deserve.
What to Expect: By strolling through this play together, we will help one another enjoy Shakespeare’s unparalleled insights into the human condition. Reading and discussing, we’ll strengthen our understanding of the plot, themes, and characters. We’ll take the time to appreciate his word play and imagery. And we’ll laugh at the jokes together!
Feedback from John and Suzanne’s last course:
“Both Suzanne Sanders and John Miller were well-prepared, thoughtful, and entertaining. They did a great job of listening as well as teaching. Bravo!”
“Instructors were knowledgeable, class participants were fully engaged, discussions were lively… got a lot more out of the play than if I had just read it (or even seen it) on my own.”
“Wonderful class. I had no idea Shakespeare could be so much fun! It was such a terrific experience to hear the play read aloud. It really made the story and the language come alive. John and Suzanne did a terrific job explaining the references and the jokes (so many jokes!).”
5 sessions | Thursdays | January 23, 30, February 6, 13, 20 | 10:30 – noon | IN PERSON (at the Easton Family YMCA at Peachblossom) |$60
