This course is offered online via the free, easy-to-use Zoom program.
10/15 session rescheduled for 11/5
King Lear is one of Shakespeare’s most challenging plays. Its multiple plot lines address the obligations of family, friendship and governance. The effects of madness, ageing and lust for power are displayed through powerful verbal and physical violence. Through it all, Shakespeare lets us see the humanity in some truly despicable characters as well as the foibles of the most admirable ones.
Each week will focus on one act, looking closely at the text as well as exploring how the page may come alive on the stage. Additional information, including background on Shakespeare’s life, London and its theaters during his lifetime, and the play’s publication, production and critical history will be offered to provide a broader context for the work. Varied background sources range from Shakespeare Quarterly to Thug Notes to Modern Farmer. An important feature of the course will also be the reading aloud of selected scenes by volunteer participants from the class.
Ann Berman holds a Master of Arts in Shakespeare Studies from King’s College, London. She spent 30 years as a teacher and administrator at the Dover-Sherborn Public Schools and 8 years as a course facilitator at Lifelong Learning at Regis College in Weston, MA.
Click here to support lifelong learning in the
Berkshires
OLLI: the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Berkshire Community College Partners in education with Williams College, Bard College at Simon's Rock and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 1350 West Street | Pittsfield, MA 01201 | 413.236.2190 | olli@berkshirecc.edu