Shakespeare Reading Group: Richard III
- Virtual Event via Zoom
We are now in session and registration is closed.
Led by William Shakespeare aficionado Carl Steidtmann, this seven-week reading group is for both first-time and experienced Shakespeare readers. As 1.5-hour participatory discussions, this group is for anyone who might like to do some reading aloud, acting or presenting. The overall emphasis is on enjoyment of Richard III as the group discusses the play, reads brief excerpts together, studies a theatrical presentation, and learns about the playwright and his world.
About Richard III
In Richard III, Shakespeare invites us on a moral holiday. The play draws us to identify with Richard and his fantasy of total control of self and domination of others. Not yet king at the start of the play, Richard presents himself as an enterprising villain as he successfully plans to dispose of his brother Clarence. Richard achieves similar success in conquering the woman he chooses to marry. He carves a way to the throne through assassination and executions. — Courtesy of Folger Shakespeare Library
About Carl Steidtmann
After spending 35 years as a professional economist, Carl Steidtmann retired to pursue his youthful passions of history and Shakespeare. After three pilgrimages to Stratford-on-Avon and five years participating in Sally Frostic’s annual Shakespeare reading group at the library, he took over the teaching of this discussion in 2019.
How to join the Richard III reading group
Since the Shakespeare Reading Group is gathering virtually on Zoom there will be no cap on the group size. This is a seven-part program built on group discussion and contribution, and participants are asked to commit to the reading and attend most of the sessions. The sessions will NOT be recorded. It is a livestream gathering, and attendees must plan to attend the live virtual sessions.
The workshop will be using the Folger Edition of Richard III. The Library has print copies of Richard III to loan to the first 30 participants who sign up. If you want a print copy of the book, you'll be required to pick it up at the library after Dec. 1.
In addition, for our remote participants, Folger Shakespeare Library is pleased to offer free downloadable files of Richard III here.
To join the group, register at the link above. We'll will send you a confirmation, then follow-up emails with Zoom access, details about securing books, and ongoing updates pertinent to the Shakespeare Reading Group.