What we’re about
Twin Cities Shakespeare Readers meets once a month to discuss the plays of William Shakespeare, the greatest writer who ever lived. Our goal is to approach the wisdom, beauty and cognitive power of his poetry.
We meet at 6 PM on the last Monday of every month at Minneapolis Central Library in the Doty Board Room, room N-280.
The Doty Board Room, room N-280, is located on the second floor of the Minneapolis Central Library. Take the elevator or escalator up from the lobby to the second floor and go down the hallway to the left.
Audio performances of 2023 plays
Spotify: https://spotify.link/BxDcBu4hFCb
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6f0Fq3KbiVLF3TceUXVClCn9YjlxjKqa&si=4AZzbvIrVhEP6gmv
Donate
PayPal: paypal.me/robblarson
Venmo: @Robb-Larson
Upcoming events (2)
See all- “King John”Minneapolis Central Library, room N-202, Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis Central Library: Room N-202.
There is underground parking beneath the library, off 4th St. S., for about $5. Go in to the Library lobby and then in to the book stacks area. Take the elevator or stairs up to the 2nd floor, then go all the way to the left.
This is a discussion about the play, not a reading or showing of it.
SYNOPSIS (from the Folger Library)
• The events in King John take place in the thirteenth century, well before Shakespeare’s other English history plays. After the death of John’s brother, Richard I, John rules England.
• John’s young nephew, Arthur, has a claim to the throne and is supported by the French. At first, a proposed marriage between the French crown prince and John’s niece, Blanche, calms Anglo-French tensions. Then the pope, in a dispute over recognizing an archbishop, excommunicates John and backs Arthur’s claim.
• After war erupts, John captures Arthur and orders his death. Arthur’s guardian, Hubert, prepares to burn out Arthur’s eyes, but then spares him. Arthur dies leaping from the prison wall. Arthur’s mother Constance grieves inconsolably.
• Meanwhile, French forces reach England. John submits to the pope to gain his aid. Rebellious English nobles join the French, but return to John when they learn the French prince plans to kill them. English forces under the bastard son of Richard I expel the French, but a monk poisons King John, whose son becomes Henry III.FREE VIDEO PERFORMANCES (YOUTUBE)
• The MIT Shakespeare Ensemble (2017)
• Bard Fest Indianapolis (2022)KANOPY APP
Download the free app. Then link your library account to it. This will allow you free access to many Shakespeare plays.VIDEO ARTICLES
• “I Finally GET King John!” By Tim Mooney
• “Shakespeare’s King John: Discussion and Summary” By Tim NanceARTICLES
• Wikipedia: “King John”
• “About Shakespeare’s King John” By Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine
• “A Modern Perspective: King John” By Dr. Deborah T. Curren-Aquino
• SparkNotes: Full Play Analysis
• Further Reading: King JohnGENERAL INFORMATION
• The Folger Shakespeare Library has free and paid (includes notes) downloadable texts of all of Shakespeare’s plays.
• The Folger Library: Shakespeare Documented has copies of original documents from Shakespeare’s time.
• Podcast: “Approaching Shakespeare”
• SparkNotes 101: Shakespeare [Excellent synopses of all the plays.]
• Shakespeare After All by Marjorie Garber [Excellent analysis of all the plays.]FACEBOOK PAGES
• The Official William Shakespeare Page
• Shakespeare Study Group
• William Shakespeare: His Works and His World - Theatre In The Round Players: "Lettice and Lovage" ($5)Theatre in the Round, Minneapolis, MN
Thursday, April 3, 2025, 7:30 pm.
Theatre in the Round Players (TRP)
245 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis MN 55454"Lettice and Lovage" by Peter Shaffer
Join us for the final dress rehearsal of "Lettice and Lovage". The cost is $5.00 at the door. Cash preferred. NO LATE SEATING.
Play Description:
Meet Lettice Duffet: expert on Elizabethan cuisine, enthusiast of medieval weaponry, lover of history, and the ever flamboyant (and popular) tour guide at Fustian House. Meet Lotte Schoen: lover of rules, keeper of order, and straightlaced inspector from the Preservation Trust. When Lettice theatrically “embellishes” the historical past of Fustian House, Schoen calls her into her office….which triggers an unlikely beginning to an unlikely friendship. Filled with larger-than-life characters, Peter Shaffer (Amadeus) explores the value of truth and beauty in this witty and charming British comedy.At the box office you can get a voucher for a discount at the parking ramp of the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, 1500 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55454. The parking meters are not free at night.
There is always a small chance that a performance might be cancelled at the last minute, so call TRP that afternoon to check 612-333-3010, and also check Meetup messages for this event.
