The Department of English at Misericordia University will join a world-wide celebration of the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare with a series of events the week of April 17-23. Considered the world's most famous wordsmith, the poet and playwright known as the "Bard of Avon," died on April 23, 1616, at the age of 52 at his home in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.
On Monday, April 18, the Misericordia University Reader's Troupe will present a series of Shakespeare's dramatic monologues from 4:30-6 p.m. in the Founders, PNC and CTE Rooms, 2nd Floor, Mercy Hall. The Reader's Troupe is comprised of Russ Pottle, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Brian Carso, Ph.D., professor of government and history; Matthew Nickel, Ph.D., assistant professor of English, and Rebecca Steinberger, Ph.D., professor of English, who also is coordinating the activities.
A Shakespeare Sonnet Marathon, featuring the reading of all 154 of Shakespeare's sonnets, will be held Wednesday, April 20 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the Pauly Friedman Art Gallery in Sandy and Marlene Insalaco Hall. Students, staff, faculty and alumni have been invited to take turns reading. A reception of tea and scones will follow from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Harold and Sallyanne Rosenn Lobby, adjacent to the Friedman Gallery.
The events are open, free to the public.
In addition, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, April 22, members of the campus community and public are invited to pick a line from a Shakespeare play and translate it creatively on campus sidewalks with chalk.
For a culinary treat, the John and Mary Metz Dining Hall will feature Elizabethan-themed foods during meals throughout the week.
For more information, please contact Dr. Steinberger at rsteinbe@misericordia.edu.