Shakespeare at the Bohm

Royal Ward, Ph. D,. Professor of Theatre emeritus, Albion College

Thursdays. 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. May 6, 13, 20, 27. Bohm Theatre. Limited to 80 participants—if you are interested in this class, be sure to read the “Policy for Limited Enrollment Classes.”

It will still be a while before theatres open for live productions of Shakespeare, but we can have our very own Shakespeare Festival right here in Albion. These four recent movie adaptations vary from the straight-forward, to the feminist, to the gay, to the silly! They are all under 2 hours long, so there will be time for brief introductions and/or comments after. In person in the Bohm Theatre, where we will socially distance and follow current state and CDC guidelines.

Movie 1: Macbeth (2015)

This straight-forward version is set in medieval Scotland and remains faithful to the play without sacrificing its own cinematic flair. Featuring a mesmerizing performance by Academy Award nominee Michael Fassbender.

Movie 2: Ophelia (2018)

An imaginative retelling of Hamlet from Ophelia’s point of view, with Daisy Ridley in the title role.

Movie 3: Private Romeo (2011)

A low budget, indie, all-male adaptation of Romeo and Juliet that retains Shakespeare’s original language but is set in a high school military academy.

Movie 4: Love’s Labours Lost (2000)

Actor/director Kenneth Branagh turns his version of this little-known comedy into a delightful 1939 romantic Hollywood movie musical, with lots of singing and dancing.

There is a $10 charge to help cover the cost of the theatre rental.