Photo Courtesy of Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C.

(...we have so much to talk about!)

Exploring "Much Ado About Nothing"

A Discussion with Mark Schenker

Wednesday, June 1 at 7 p.m.

Please join us as we welcome back one of our favorite speakers,  Mark Schenker of Yale University. He will lead a discussion of “Much Ado About Nothing,” both as an individual play and with respect to its place in the Shakespeare canon. Schenker’s talk coincides with this summer’s production of “Much Ado About Nothing,” which is this year’s Shakespeare on the Sound selection. (The play will be performed at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich, July 5th-10th (except Mondays), following performances at Pinkney Park in Rowayton from June 16th-26th (except Mondays).)

“Much Ado About Nothing” is the sparkling comedy about two of Shakespeare’s most famous lovers, Beatrice and Benedict, who, like so many modern couples are quick to defend themselves from love with wit and humor. An interrupted marriage, a couple tricked into love, and a bungling constable make “Much Ado About Nothing” a play that shows how powerful rumor and innuendo can be and how wit and desire can be a magnetic combination.

Copies of “Much Ado About Nothing” will be available for participants’ use during the lecture and audience members will read parts from the play. It is not necessary to read the play in advance.

Mark J. Schenker has been at Yale College since 1990.  He is currently an Associate Dean of the College and Dean of Academic Affairs.  Born and raised in New York City, he received his Ph.D. in English Literature from Columbia University and has taught at Columbia, New York University, and Trinity College (Hartford).  He has led book discussion series in public libraries in Connecticut for over 20 years through programs sponsored by the Connecticut Humanities Council and lectures frequently on literary topics for public audiences.  He was the recipient of the 2001 Wilbur Cross Award for Outstanding Humanities Scholar, presented by the Connecticut Humanities Council.

Additional parking for evening and weekend Library programs on Thorndal Circle (behind Nielsen’s).