Shakespeare's Henry V: A six-week workshop

THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULL.

Led by veteran English teacher Sally Frostic, this six-week reading group (Feb. 1-March 7) is for both first-time and experienced Shakespeare readers. It is for people might like to do some out loud reading, acting or presenting, as well as people who might like to read and listen only. The overall emphasis is on enjoyment of Henry V -- discussing, reading brief excerpts together and learning about the playwright and his world. The workshop is designed to stimulate enjoyment and discussion, and be attuned to group interests and needs.

ABOUT HENRY V
Shakespeare wrote comedies, tragedies and histories – or so two actor friends categorized his plays when they published them in a single book, or folio, seven years after his death. HENRY V, written in 1599, is the ninth of his 11 plays about English history.

HENRY V is the story of a young king, newly crowned, who comes to the throne with a “bad boy” reputation for drunkenness and carousing. Very quickly, he is faced with some of the most difficult challenges of leadership – a war with France and Machiavellian schemers and manipulative bishops at home. Add Henry’s romance with the Princess of France, the loss of his old “drinking buddy” Falstaff, and his new role leading the English army in France, and you have one of Shakespeare’s finest plays.  Here we see him growing to maturity as a playwright – creating full characters, exploring all sides of war and the uses of power, making us laugh as well as think,  all in dazzling language.  

Two filmmakers, Laurence Olivier and Kenneth Branagh, have made popular films of this play. The group will view Branagh’s version during our final session. 

ABOUT SALLY FROSTIC
Sally returns to Bud Werner Memorial Library for a Shakespeare reading encore after last year's Romeo and Juliet sessions garnered rave reviews. Sally taught honors English at Oak Park and River Forest High School in Oak Park, Illinois, for 25 years. She has an M.A. in Literature and Theology from the University of Chicago. Her special interests include Shakespeare, Chaucer, Dante and great contemporary writers who explore universal themes. She and her husband divide their time between Chicago and Steamboat Springs.

WANT TO JOIN THE HENRY V READING GROUP?
The workshop is limited to 25 participants!

Participants are asked to commit to the reading and attend most of the sessions. To sign up, you must contact Adult Programs Coordinator Jennie Lay directly by email or by calling 879-0240 x 317.

The Library will provide copies of Henry V to loan to all participants. It is requested that participants read ACT ONE before the first session with the And remember the following caveat from Sally: "As in years past, do not be concerned if you cannot understand this language -- we will work it out together."