Wednesdays

9:30 am - 11:00 am

Online

6/1, 6/8, 6/15 & 6/22

Four Sessions 

This course is offered online via the easy-to-use Zoom program

Beatrice and Benedick, Shakespeare’s reluctant and witty lovers, take center stage in this comedy.  While the play’s get-them-to-the-altar plot is engaging and entertaining, the play also examines the relationships and loyalties among the other characters and how deliberate manipulation affects them. We will explore Shakespeare’s well-loved comedy, looking at the language, character and plot development, and underlying themes and ideas.  Background information on Shakespeare’s life and the early modern theatre in London at the turn of the 17th century will also be provided.  The course will reference the current production at Shakespeare and Company, which we hope you will see on your own, though this is not required.

Participants are also invited to a free, in-person talk with Ann and a member of the Shakespeare & Company production on Friday, June 17th at 10:30 am on the campus of Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, MA.

Recommended Reading:

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare (using the Folger Library paperback edition will make it easier to follow along)

Ann Berman has been involved with life-long learning programs since 2012, both taking and leading courses.  Her most recent OLLI offering was on John Singer Sargent.  She is very excited to be able to link a course on a Shakespeare play with a live production--her favorite way to combine theater and classroom learning—again.

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