Troilus and Cressida
We're in the last few weeks of a close read of Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida. You probably have not read this play before, which is exactly why you should join us!
The play is set in Troy in the last years of the Trojan War, from Achilles’ abrupt refusal to engage in battle through the ignoble death of Hector. The story of Troilus, the faithful lover, and Cressida, the unfaithful lover, is actually a sub-plot; the main plot evolves around the Greek and Trojan interactions.
Is it a raunchy comedy? is it tragic and melancholic? Joyce Carol Oates wrote of this play:
Troilus and Cressida, that most vexing and ambiguous of Shakespeare’s plays, strikes the modern reader as a contemporary document. Its investigation of numerous infidelities, its criticism of tragic pretensions, above all, its implicit debate between what is essential in human life and what is only existential, are themes of the twentieth century.
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We read slowly and carefully, with lots of discussion. No previous experience with Shakespeare is necessary! No one is required to read—feel free to come and listen and discuss.
We have extra copies of the book if you need one.
Please rsvp so we know how many tables and chairs to arrange!
Readings and discussions are facilitated by Robin Williams.
$5 fee to cover the room rental.
Contact: robin@iReadShakespeare.org