fischerl Posted October 10, 2011 Share Posted October 10, 2011 We only have time for one of them. Which one shall we study? FWIW, DS has already read Twelfth Night, Hamlet, Henry V., Romeo & Juliet and Julius Caesar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kristin in Hawaii Posted October 10, 2011 Share Posted October 10, 2011 There are so many big issues covered in that one - and there is still the open question about how Mr. Shakespeare intended Shylock's character to come across. I wish you all the best - and definitely encourage you to find whatever live performances you can find. We have found our little local live renditions vastly better than any reading... YMMV. Aloha, Kristin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fischerl Posted October 10, 2011 Author Share Posted October 10, 2011 Thanks, Kristin! That's the one I'm leaning toward; and yes, I've read there's some debate about the Shylock character. We will definitely look for a live performance locally, whichever one we choose. I appreciate your input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted October 10, 2011 Share Posted October 10, 2011 The Merchant of Venice. You've done one pure comedy and The Merchant is packed with interest. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freerange Posted October 10, 2011 Share Posted October 10, 2011 The Merchant of Venice - it has SO MUCH going on! And of course watch the DVD with Al Pacino & Jeremy Irons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Florida Posted October 10, 2011 Share Posted October 10, 2011 I vote Merchant of Venice, both because I love that one and because I don't like As You Like It. I've seen a couple of productions of As You Like It and have read the play, and it just isn't one of my favorites. Merchant, however, is really interesting and wonderful. A few years ago, we saw a one-man play called "Shylock," which was really wonderful. It was all about trying to understand the character and had all kinds of history woven into and was very funny. If you can lay your hands on a copy of the script, it would be well worth adding to your reading list. The playwright's name is Gareth Armstrong. He also wrote a book about his experiences doing the show. I haven't read the book, but it might well be worth finding, too. It's called "A Case for Shylock." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chepyl Posted October 10, 2011 Share Posted October 10, 2011 Merchant of Venice! There is just so much to it. There are great topics for conversation and it is full of contrasting moments. My co-op class has had a blast reading it aloud. There are several famous speeches too. Portia's "the quality of mercy," and Shylock's "if you prickly us do we not bleed" are two off the top of my head. This is my favorite of Shakespeare's plays! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam in MA Posted October 10, 2011 Share Posted October 10, 2011 I think I would choose based on which one I could see a live performance of. I usually scope out local Shakespeare shows before I decide. Then it's fun to compare to a movie version as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterPan Posted October 10, 2011 Share Posted October 10, 2011 If you can't get a live performance, look for the Ambrose production on dvd. You can also download it from their website for a reasonable price ($5?). It was quite good. We did that with a free online discussion guide and enjoyed it immensely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justamouse Posted October 10, 2011 Share Posted October 10, 2011 The Merchant of Venice. You've done one pure comedy and The Merchant is packed with interest. Laura :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeatherinTenn Posted October 10, 2011 Share Posted October 10, 2011 Definitely The Merchant of Venice. It's one of my favorites. I was lucky enough in college to see it live with Hal Holbrook playing Shylock. He was perfect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fischerl Posted October 10, 2011 Author Share Posted October 10, 2011 Well! I guess that settles it! Thanks again, so much, for all your replies. Hal Holbrook is a favorite of mine--wish I'd seen that production! A few years ago, we saw a one-man play called "Shylock," which was really wonderful. It was all about trying to understand the character and had all kinds of history woven into and was very funny. If you can lay your hands on a copy of the script, it would be well worth adding to your reading list. The playwright's name is Gareth Armstrong. He also wrote a book about his experiences doing the show. I haven't read the book, but it might well be worth finding, too. It's called "A Case for Shylock." I will check these out. Thanks for the referral. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.