Shakespeare Reading Group: Antony and Cleopatra

Shakespeare Reading Group: Antony and Cleopatra

Wednesday, February 22, 2017 - 6:00pm to 7:15pm
  • Conference Room - Administration Wing
Led by veteran English teacher Sally Frostic, this six-week reading group is for both first-time and experienced Shakespeare readers.

William Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra ~ a reading workshop for six consecutive Wednesdays, January 18-February 22, 2017

Led by veteran English teacher Sally Frostic, this six-week reading group is for both first-time and experienced Shakespeare readers. The group meets from 6-7:17 p.m. in the Library Conference Room. It is for people might like to do some reading aloud, acting or presenting, as well as people who might like to read and listen only. The overall emphasis is on enjoyment of Antony and Cleopatra -- 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 Antony and Cleopatra
Antony and Cleopatra was published for the first time in William Shakespeare's 1623 First Folio. It tells the story of a romance between two powerful lovers: Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt, and Mark Antony, who rules the Roman Empire with Octavius Caesar and Lepidus. Although he is needed in Rome, Antony lingers in Egypt with Cleopatra. He finally returns to Rome when Pompey, another military leader, tries to gain control of the empire. Once in Rome, Antony marries Caesar's sister Octavia. After Pompey is defeated, Caesar imprisons Lepidus and turns on Antony. Octavia attempts to reconcile them, but fails.  Antony returns to Cleopatra. He challenges Caesar at sea, adding Cleopatra's ships to his own. When she and her navy flee in mid-battle, Antony follows, abandoning his men. Antony fails in a second battle at sea. At first, he blames Cleopatra and plans to kill her. He responds to false news of her death, however, by attempting suicide; fatally wounded, he reunites with her as he dies. Faced with Caesar's plans to humiliate her in Rome, Cleopatra kills herself with poisonous snakes. -- Folger Shakespeare Library
 

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 Anthony and Cleopatra 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 Antony and Cleopatra to loan to all participants.