Shakespeare Fans discussion
Reading Schedule for 2018?
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If no one else volunteers, I will do one, Candy. Mid February for a play with substance sounds good.
Lucinda wrote: "If no one else volunteers, I will do one, Candy. Mid February for a play with substance sounds good."I can read with any of the plays. I was hoping to get familiar with history plays with this group. Maybe starting with either Richard II or the Henry plays? I have more challenge with the Henry plays.
What does everyone else think?
I'm going to be reading MacBeth in February anyway, so it would be nice if it coincided here... I'm also up for King Lear, Hamlet, Othello, Cymbeline, the Henry's, Richard II... all so juicy : )
Cynda wrote: "Lucinda wrote: "If no one else volunteers, I will do one, Candy. Mid February for a play with substance sounds good."I can read with any of the plays. I was hoping to get familiar with history pl..."
I would like to read the histories as well. I may not be able to strictly follow the group's schedule if we decide to go through them all at once, but I will be reading them all eventually as a project.
Thanks, Lucinda for volunteering.
Hey guys,I'm sorry I wasn't able to participate as much last year as I wanted, but now I'm back and I have to read quite some plays for my studies at uni. King Lear, Midsummer, Macbeth and Tempest. But I'm also up for some history plays. I'm particularly interested in Richard III and the Henry's :-D
Mod
MacBeth :Feb18-March 31
Cymbeline : April 10-May 26
To start?
I'm always up for the histories but I'd also be particularly interested in Cymbeline, as one of the most puzzling of all, and as the only one where Rome and Britain meet.
Just back from a weekend in Manchester in the sleet, but the weather must be much worse in parts of the US. 'Macbeth' b eginning in mid February sounds a great idea. I'll order a copy from the library. I am ashamed to admit that this is one of the great tragedies I haven't read, though 'I've seen film versions' as people say.
Oh, you’re in for a treat. It’s one of my favourite ones and definierest my favourite tragedy 😊
Lucinda wrote: "Just back from a weekend in Manchester in the sleet, but the weather must be much worse in parts of the US. 'Macbeth' b eginning in mid February sounds a great idea. I'll order a copy from the lib..."
Oh good. The Scottish play makes me quake. I need to read it with other Shakes appreciators. I will be here :-)
Mod
I’ll get threads set up shortly
I just ordered Cymbeline^^ it always takes longer in Germany to get hold of the Arden Edition. How I wish to just able to go to Waterstones at piccadilly and just the book up from the shelf... I hope it's here on time.I'm looking forward to Macbeth too. and the discussions.
I'm interested in reading Macbeth and discuss here. I find it humorous that we are reading Macbeth around Valentine's Day! (Adds a different perspective!)
Just back online. My unmentionable PC has been down for two weeks.That's one way of looking it at it, Missy or Melissa! Macbeth is one of the plays I have never read before, only having seen a fllm version with Orson Welles. I have now read the first act. So, due to start in mid February.
Macbeth mid-February, followed by Cymbeline... excellent plan. And thank you Lucinda for volunteering to moderate. I'm really looking forward to the discussions.
Me, too, Janice, and thank you!
Candy wrote: "How about this...MacBeth :Feb18-March 31
Cymbeline : April 10-May 26
To start?"
I read MacBeth a couple of times, it's one of my favourites. I don't know anything about Cymbeline. Do you think an annotated version would be required?
Mod
I'll have to order a copy from the good old library, Candy.Martin was kind enough to let me loan a copy of his from his collection of the BBC plays, but I've never read it.
Lucinda wrote: "I'll have to order a copy from the good old library, Candy.Martin was kind enough to let me loan a copy of his from his collection of the BBC plays, but I've never read it."
I have missed seeing Martin's comments in this group, particularly in the sonnets section. His profile page says he was last active on Goodreads in February of 2018, which is very good to know. Does anyone know if he intends to join discussion with us again in this group?
Not heard anything for my part, Janice!
Mod
Well, I've read the first three scenes of 'Cymbeline', but unless I am being very obtuse - which happens all the time - can't find any discussion...
Ack, I missed the start date, thought it was the 15th. I will scramble and find my S volume with Cymbeline and catch up as soon as I can.
I don't even know whose leading the discussion,Janice - couldn't find the details, which could well just be me, muddling along as usual.
Mod
I’m a space cadet
I’ll get it going tonight
❤️
Thank you so much, Candy. You are a star, not a space cadet.
I cannot wait to discuss it with you all. I missed Macbeth because uni, but now I'm back and stronger than ever^^ I have never read Cymbeline. I'm quite excited for it :-D
Mod
We might be going through a lull...but I know you are tried and true readers. We are so lucky to have each other.
You all keep me reading!
Hello, Candy. I'm about halfway through 'Cymbeline', and eager to discuss it.
Am I right in thinking the reading schedule for it has been put back?
Hello, there, Candy. Breakdown in communication, I think! I can't find the 'Cymbeline' discussion thread. Is there a glitch on Goodreads, as one of this post disappeared just now and I'm having to type it again.I'm about halfway through the play.
I cannot find the discussion thread either. I hope it's just glitch somehow...or my page is broken...
Mod
I completely dropped the ball on Cymbelline. It was too complicated and tangled and I just gave up.However, I do have a wish list. I have not read many of the heavyweights and I would love to, but I suppose everyone here has already been down that path. Still, I would like to read King Lear, Othello, Hamlet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and The Tempest... I don't care in which order.
Mod
I totally dropped the ball on Macbeth.
We can totally visit the heavies... let’s keep talking and get a plan
It’s not too late to drop into Cymbeline we haven’t even hit the fifth act yet!!!
Mod
I have suggested two discussion leaders....plus myself....but again these are ball park ideas...
Here is a ball park schedule...which I will hone and post as upcoming after we discuss here and tweak...
June 15-July 30 The Tempest
Discussion leader: Tom Lane (Tom has committed to being group discussion leader YAY!!! So I will make a header for this group reading)
August 10-September20 A Midsummer Night's Dream
discussion leader: Janice?
October 1-Nov 15 Othello
Discussion Leader: ( your name here?)
December 1-Jan 15 (insert a more romantic or comedic play....Twelfth Night?)
Discussion leader (Candy?)
Feb 1-March 15 Hamlet
discussion leader:Janice?
Mod
A discussion leader can participate by just posting every other day or by seeking out questions and idea s in the play or going deeper....we have never constructed a very formal definition of the role. Instead...the minimum has been defined as at least checking in and posting every other day...
Otherwise the leader is pretty well "one of us" LOL
One of the great things about online discussions is it supports shy or quiet or busy people as much time as "loud" people like me (or dare I say Lucinda too? LOL)
People can choose to post at any time if they work second shift...have kids, or need to budget their time in all the ways this demanding society situation sets us in....we can try to find a little time to read and post our thoughts,,,,ideas...dreams and impressions. No one is expected or claims to be an expert....we are bringing our own personal narratives and dreams to the discussion as well as our strengths and foibles. We have seemed to be a pretty polite and dedicated community here....and having been involved for almost ten years...it never ceases to surprise me and give me happiness and fun.
Again...I am so grateful for your participation...and a shout out to the lurkers....who sometimes have sent me a message to say hello or thank you. The lurkers might not want to post but they say they read along and it gives their life another layer of meaning
Hopefully we will get some more participants...but it's nice to know we are all out there!!!!
We are a lucky group!!!
Candy wrote: "All right I have had some feedback about next play and creating a mini-schedule for group discussions!!!!I have suggested two discussion leaders....plus myself....but again these are ball park id...
August 10-September20 A Midsummer Night's Dream
discussion leader: Janice?"
I'm not at all sure I can be trusted as a moderator and show up on a regular basis with something helpful to say... however, I was lucky enough to see modernish Midsummer Night's Dream performed at a Shakespeare festival, and I think this would be a second read for me. So, since it doesn't scare me to death like the other plays I haven't read or seen, I am willing to take this one on as moderator. However,....
Feb 1-March 15 Hamlet
discussion leader:Janice?
Eek! Oh hell no. I want to be led by the hand on this one.
December 1-Jan 15 (insert a more romantic or comedic play....Twelfth Night?)
Discussion leader (Candy?)
I think we read Twelfth Night not too long ago? I'm kind of tired of the mixed up twins plays. How about The Winter's Tale? It's supposed to be quite romantic, plus psychological which I know you could have a great time with Candy : )
I'm glad Tom has stepped up!
Mod
No heavy responsibilities for discussion leader expected. Thank you for Janice for your participation and response to this topic thread!
Mod
:)
June 15-July 30 The Tempest
Discussion leader: Tom Lane (Tom has committed to being group discussion leader YAY!!! So I will make a header for this group reading)
August 10-September20 A Midsummer Night's Dream
discussion leader: Janice
October 1-Nov 15 Othello
Discussion Leader: ( your name here?)
December 1-Jan 15 A Winter's Tale
Discussion leader Candy
Feb 1-March 15 Hamlet
discussion leader: (your name here?)
Good idea!Also, Candy, as much as I would like to avoid my responsibilities this month, would you set up the threads for Midsummer Night's Dream? Or, should I? (Not sure I can?)
I'm new as well, and I'd totally be up for history plays, esp. Henry's IV/V! I find Hal to be one of Shakespeare's most sympathetic male characters (maybe not my favorite overall, but more likeable than a lot). Also, it would be the first discussion I ever lead....but I'd happy to take on Othello, if desired!
I think somebody needs to flag down Candy. She gets really busy and inadvertently leaves us to fend for ourselves. I don't think I can start the Midsummer Night's Dream thread without Candy (and wouldn't know how anyway). I would love to read Othello, and the Henrys. There was a great 2 part TV production of Henry VI, The Hollow Crown, in 2016. I understand they took liberties with it, but I really enjoyed it and felt I had finally begun to understand the Kings plays.
Hi, Brittany and David, welcome to the Shakespeare Fans. I have been a member of the Company since the end of May, and recently finished my first foray into facilitating, with "The Tempest." Be not dismayed at delay for contact from our moderator who sets up the Goodreads threads; as Janice notes, she is often extra-busy with work. But we will get going again soon, I hope. I look forward to your contributions and leadership - also to "A Midsummer Night's Dream" with Janice at the rostrum.If you are in the Chicago, USA, area (our participants also come from across the Pond - giving us the richness of perspectives from multiple English-speaking milieux), we can get together in person to attend the many performances here, and even to read aloud. There is a monument to the Bard in Lincoln Park, and an historic Shakespeare Garden at Northwestern University, that are great places to read the works.
Mod
Thank you so much for flagging me down.
I’m going to work on setting us up for new discussions
😀
Hi, all. I was looking at our reading schedule to see what's coming. Re: Candy's 2 June post, if it is not too soon after having facilitated one text, I would enjoy leading "Hamlet." It is a favorite of mine (I love all the "Star Trek" uses of it), and I would like to approach it more exegetically than I have done - which doesn't mean sucking the fun out of it, quite the opposite. Ha. I nominate Brittany for "Othello." I've not read or watched that one, and anticipate engaging it. Will pick up a copy of "Dream" tomorrow. Contra Prospero as the masque melted into thin air, our revels have not ended, they are just beginning!
Mod
If I understand correctly you’re interested in leading a Hamlet discussion after AMSND?
Awesome!
I love Star Trek stuff too!!
(Is anyone here watching “discover Star Trek”? It’s brilliant!)
We could start end of October beginning of November 😀
Shakespeare Fans
Books mentioned in this topic
King Lear (other topics)Othello (other topics)
Hamlet (other topics)
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (other topics)
The Tempest (other topics)
shall we see if we can find some common ground for discussions?
I know I will be occupied till middle of Feb. Although I can get here for the Sonnets....I might not have time before feb 15 to get rolling on anything bigger...
Someone has suggested we did a lot of comedies recently...shall we try "meatier plays"? )Hey Lucinda!)
Is there anyone who would like to be discussion leader...which entails checking in every other day....finding motivating links...or just keep responding to ideas?
Go!