Maxwell Theatre, Department of English and World Languages introduce ‘Speaking Shakespeare’

The Maxwell Theatre and the Department of English and World Languages invite students to come and read Shakespeare out loud on the portico in front of the Maxwell Theatre as part of a series called “Speaking Shakespeare.” 

“Shakespeare is fun, and this is your chance to explore it. If you never thought of yourself on stage, or you thought Shakespeare was too ‘old’ or ‘fancy’ or ‘scary,’ it’s time to wipe off those cobwebs and dive in with a group that is waiting to explore with you,” says Kelly Thomas, director of the Maxwell Theatre.  

“There are no lines to memorize, and you can play a different part each time or simply listen. Every other Tuesday we will sit safely outside on the portico of the Maxwell Theatre, on the Summerville Campus, and fall in love, fight wars, create magic and see ghosts as we read to each other.”  

Speaking Shakespeare will begin on March 2, and be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. every other Tuesday of the Spring 2021 semester on the Maxwell Theatre Portico.

“The question inevitably arises: Why ‘speak Shakespeare’? Our modern emphasis on silent reading can inadvertently obscure the music of Shakespeare’s verse and prose — a music that really resonates when read aloud,” says Dr. Blaire Zeiders, assistant professor in the Department of English and World Languages. 

“Moreover, listening to others read and make choices about the way characters speak can spark exciting new interpretations of the plays. Our hope is that this group will give participants the chance to experiment with Shakespeare’s plays in a welcoming, informal setting.” 

The series will begin with reading Much Ado About Nothing, one of Shakespeare’s most famous romantic comedies. Full of clever dialogue and plot twists, the story’s richly detailed characters come painfully close to tragedy before good fortune — and a clever use of deception — lead to a bittersweet comic resolution. 

The series is open to all students, faculty and staff. Snacks and drinks are provided, and masks are required. Each participant will receive a copy of the play. 

Questions about the program can be directed to Kelly Thomas.