King Lear

Shakespeare Reading Group: KING LEAR

Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - 6:00pm to 7:15pm
  • Conference Room - Administration Wing

William Shakespeare's King Lear ~ a reading workshop: six consecutive Wednesdays from 6-7:15 p.m., February 12-March 19

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED. THE 2014 WORKSHOP IS NOW FULL.

Led by veteran English teacher Sally Frostic and a team of experienced local Shakespeare aficionados, 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 King Lear  -- 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 King Lear
Scholars believe Shakespeare wrote King Lear in 1605 or 1606. It was performed at court in 1606, and a version was first published in 1608 as a quarto.

Shakespeare's King Lear challenges us with the magnitude, intensity, and sheer duration of the pain it represents. Some of its characters harden their hearts, or engage in "an orgy of violence."  Some try to alleviate the suffering of others. Their efforts are often in vain. Lear himself rages until his sanity cracks. What, then, keeps us coming back to King Lear?  Why do the greatest Shakespearean actors consider playing Lear the highest achievement?  This is one question we will try to answer in this reading group.   

The play tells us about families struggling between greed and cruelty, on the one hand, and support and consolation, on the other. Emotions are extreme, magnified to gigantic proportions. We also see old age portrayed in all its vulnerability, pride, and, perhaps, wisdom—one reason this most devastating of Shakespeare's tragedies is also perhaps his most moving.

Sally Frostic

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 King Lear reading group?
The workshop is limited to 30 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 King Lear to loan to all participants. It is requested that participants read ACT ONE before the first session.