Much Ado about Nothing?

On Saturday, March 27th, we will gather to read Shakespeare's delightful comedy, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING at the Brentwood City Library on Concord Rd. We'll be in the Children's Reading room--a WONDROUS place--and it should be a delightful time. I'm musing about the correlations between MUCH ADO and LOVE'S LABOR'S. Benedict and Berowne are very similar characters, as are Beatrice and Rosaline. We read LLL in May of 2009, and since we're reading these plays in a suggested order of when they were written, it appears that Beatrice and Benedict are the products of a later stage of Shakespeare's writing. Wittier, more in sync, deeper and even more human than the previous creations. I think their match is a good one and their marriage will succeed. Not so sure about Berowne and Ros.

The next few months of Shakespeare Allowed are exciting--AS YOU LIKE IT, followed by JULIUS CAESAR followed by HAMLET.
Great plays, good times!

Join us! It's fun. =Denice
p.s. Does anybody have any ideas about where a good place to socialize after the readings might be? Downtown Nashville--within walking distance of the library--food/drinks/not too loud? Let me know and we'll start going April 3! =D

Shakespeare Allowed! at the Brentwood Library

Please join us as we read Henry the Fourth Part 2 aloud this Saturday at the Brentwood Library! 8109 Concord Road Brentwood, TN 37027

The Nashville Shakespeare Festival in partnership with the Public Libraries is hosting community readings of one of Shakespeare's plays each month. We will be at the downtown Nashville library the 1st Saturday of each month (except for July, and that will be the second Saturday) and the Brentwood library on 3rd Saturday of the month (with a few exceptions, see the website for specifics).

The purpose of these gatherings is simply to read Shakespeare's works out loud. To say and hear the words as we look at them. It's a lot of fun, it's open to the public and all readers are welcome to join us. There are 12-16 reading-aloud chairs available and ample seating for everyone else who chooses to read along.

The readings begin at 1pm and most are done by 3:30p. Reading chairs fill up quickly, so plan to arrive early. Bring your own copy of the play and some friends and come play!

For more info, see the Shakespeare Festival's website: www.nashvilleshakes.org

See you at the library!
=Denice

Teach Shakespeare However You Want -- Just Keep His Language Alive | Edutopia

I read this article today and this quote reminded me of what we're doing every month in the Shakespeare Allowed! program: "...it's probably a good idea just to let the beat go on, immersing students in the compelling rhythms of the iambs, trochees, and dactyls without, at first, slowing them with too much analysis. At least they'll encounter, if only once, a flow of speech at its most magical. At best, a seed will be planted for future fascination, when the complexities of life -- and language -- become more intriguing." That is what Shakespeare Allowed is all about for me. Just reading the words out loud. Whether it's a first encounter with the play or a revisiting of an old favorite, there is nothing like just reading the words aloud. I'm really looking forward to continuing on this journey with you! See you in February!


Teach Shakespeare However You Want -- Just Keep His Language Alive | Edutopia

Here's to 2010

Greetings, Gentle readers! We are almost half way through the canon, and I have to say that this project has been even more rewarding than I'd hoped it would be. The friendships that are building through our monthly gatherings, the insight into Shakespeare's development as a writer and the awe that his poetry inspires makes Shakespeare Allowed! one of my favorite things to do.

In February we will be starting a second monthly reading at the Brentwood library. If you miss the gathering on the 1st Saturday, come on down to Brentwood on the 3rd Saturday and catch up with us!

I'd like to initiate a social gathering after each Nashville reading (4p-6p the 1st Saturday of each month)--a time to discuss the plays we've read, get to know each other better and share news of local theater and literary happenings and other artful events. Where do you suggest we go to have some food and drink and share conversation? Email me or make a suggestion here.

See you Saturday for Henry the Fourth Part One, in which we'll once again have the pleasure of the company of Sir John Falstaff and where we'll meet the dashing young Prince Hal.

Happy New Year, Friends. =Denice

The Merchant of Venice November 14!

Ok, Shakes Alloweders, we are really and truly going to be up on the 3rd floor of the downtown Public Library on November 14th for the reading of The Merchant of Venice. Our kind hosts at the Public Library are providing us a lovely "home" room! ...with windows! and wooden furniture! The Merchant of Venice is a glorious play with superbly rich characters and some considerable comedy and controversy which I'm sure will provide great fodder for Ron's discussion Tuesday night following the reading, and for our blog here.
Bring you own copy, or borrow one from the library and I'll see you on Saturday, November 14th at 1pm in the 3rd Floor West Reading room.
In the meantime, feel free to pipe up here or email me if you have any questions or concerns.

Denice

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Join us October 3rd for Shakespeare Allowed!'s 1st birthday.

Large Group Expected for "Romeo & Juliet" Reading on September 5th

Hello all!
We are expecting a large number of people for the Shakespeare Allowed! reading of Romeo & Juliet on Saturday September 5th.
Rather than our normal reading room at the downtown library, we will be upstairs on the 2nd floor in the Story Room. (with windows!)
Come early to get a seat to read and, as always, bring your own copy of the play if you have it.