Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.

Walter P. Paepcke, Aspen Institute Co-Founder
  • In Person

Sharing Shakespeare: Measure for Measure, Overview and Act I

Register Now
Add to Calendar

Add to Calendar

Download
Office 365
Google Calendar
Mon Oct 19, 2026
Aspen, CO

Date

Mon Oct 19, 2026
6:00pm – 8:00pm MDT

Location

Aspen Meadows
1000 N. Third St.

Contact

    [email protected]
    970.544.7992

Hosts

  1. Aspen Community Programs

Back by popular demand, the Aspen Institute presents Sharing Shakespeare, a moderated, roundtable discussion series that takes place one night a month for six months.  Beginning in October, the 2026-27 session will explore one of Shakespeare’s problem plays, Measure for Measure.  

We will focus the entire six-month series on Measure for Measure, inviting participants to read one act per month and share their insights and questions as we work toward a deeper understanding of one of Shakespeare’s most provocative and morally complex plays.

Volunteer moderators will lead participants through lively discussions dissecting the intriguing scenes and characters in Measure for Measure while uncovering themes that still resonate today. 

Dates and Times: Monday nights from 6:00–8:00 pm MT on October 19, November 16, December 14, January 11, February 8, and March 8.

Location: The Aspen Institute, Aspen Meadows campus.

Fee: $195, includes all sessions, light refreshments, and reading materials. Scholarships available.

Registration: To register, please click here.

Please email [email protected] for more information.

Measure for Measure, Overview and Act I

Measure for Measure, considered a “problem play,” features Duke Vincentio, a leader who recognizes that his realm is becoming too permissive, appoints Angelo, a morally strict official to take the reins while Vincentio takes a leave of absence from the city only to return, in disguise, as a friar. Angelo, determined to return order to the chaos, sentences Claudio to death for the crime of adultery, in Claudio’s case impregnating his fiancée, Juliet. Isabella, Claudio’s sister and a novice nun, is subjected to Angelo’s overtures and outright request to corrupt her to save her brother. This play’s themes include moral dilemma, leadership, justice, morality, sexual lust, mercy, redemption…. Everything anyone could want in a play. Join us for a lively discussion of a play that purports to be a “comedy” but may be something darker.

Moderated by Ted Frisbie and Sandi Kister.

Module 1
October 19
Measure for Measure, Overview and Act I moderated by Ted Frisbie and Sandi Kister

November 16
Measure for Measure, Act II moderated by Peter Waanders and Morgan Walsh

December 14
Measure for Measure, Act III moderated by Cathy O’Connell and Donna Grauer