William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar ~ a reading workshop: six consecutive Wednesdays from 6-7:15 p.m., February 3-March 9, 2016

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED. THE 2016 WORKSHOP IS NOW FULL.

Led by veteran English teacher Sally Frostic, this six-week reading group 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 Julius Caesar  -- 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, with participation by everyone.

About Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar was published for the first time in the 1623 First Folio.

Caesar's assassination is just the halfway point of Julius Caesar. The first part of the play leads to his death; the second portrays the consequences. As the action begins, Rome prepares for Caesar's triumphal entrance. Brutus, Caesar's friend and ally, fears that Caesar will become king, destroying the republic. Cassius and others convince Brutus to join a conspiracy to kill Caesar.

On the day of the assassination, Caesar plans to stay home at the urging of his wife, Calphurnia. A conspirator, Decius Brutus, persuades him to go to the Senate with the other conspirators and his friend, Mark Antony. At the Senate, the conspirators stab Caesar to death. Antony uses a funeral oration to turn the citizens of Rome against them. Brutus and Cassius escape as Antony joins forces with Octavius Caesar.

Encamped with their armies, Brutus and Cassius quarrel, then agree to march on Antony and Octavius. In the battle that follows, Cassius, misled by erroneous reports of loss, persuades a slave to kill him; Brutus's army is defeated. Brutus commits suicide, praised by Antony as "the noblest Roman of them all."

About Sally Frostic
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 Julius Caesar 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 by email or by calling 879-0240x317. Once your space is confirmed, further information will follow.

The Library will provide copies of Julius Caesar to loan to all participants.