The Aspen Institute

Back by popular demand, the Aspen Institute presents the Sharing Shakespeare Series, curated by Tom Buesch, PhD.  Exploring another round of William Shakespeare’s plays, volunteer moderators will lead participants through lively discussions dissecting the intriguing themes and characters in Shakespeare that still resonate today. Participants will read one play per month and share their insights and questions to reach a fuller understanding of the Bard’s works.

Dates and Times:  Monday nights from 6:00–8:00 pm MT October 23, November 13, December 11, January 22, February 12, March 12.

Location: Aspen Institute, Aspen Meadows Campus

Fee: $185, includes all sessions, light refreshments, and reading materials. Scholarships available.

Register for the 2023-2024 Sharing Shakespeare series here. Please email acp@aspeninstitute.org for more information.

Module 1
October 23
Julius Caesar moderated by Sandi Kister and Ted Frisbie
Description coming.

November 13
Twelfth Night moderated by Donna Grauer and Cathy O’Connell
Join us for Twelfth Night, the comedy that has something for everyone. Cross dressing. ‘Identical’ fraternal twins. Love at first sight, a shipwreck, memorable supporting characters, bullying, sword fighting, eminently quotable language…”if music be the food of love…some of us are born to greatness…”

And let’s not forget Feste, one of the finest fools in the bard’s repertoire. A play to read, watch and re-read!

December 11
The Tempest moderated by Carol and Ken Adelman
It’s a challenge for each of us, almost every day.  Forgiveness is difficult, and was especially difficult for Prospero, being deposed from high office and put on a rickety boat with his young daughter to drown.  Worse still, his own brother was behind the plot.  

But Prospero was powerless, stranded on an island with his daughter, Miranda, spirit Ariel, and savage Caliban – utterly powerless, until a storm (he caused) brought all the conspirators to the island, under his magical power.  His moment of deserved vengeance has come.  What is he to do? 

Other themes are covered – such as the evils of colonialism, the power of knowledge, and the ending of a life (or a career as Shakespeare puts down his pen at the end of the play). Thus, The Tempest is one Shakespeare’s last, and surely best dramas.  

Carol & Ken Adelman, who moderated two several-day sessions at the Institute on Vengeance and Forgiveness in The Tempest years ago, will lead our discussion.  Please join us on Monday, December 11th for a journey you’ll not forget, and always treasure. 

Module 2
January 22: Pericles
February 12: The Winter’s Tale
March 11: Love’s Labor’s Lost