Caution: uncheck this box if you are on a public computer (e.g. Hotel, Coffee Shop)
Become a PHS Member
Dissect Shakespeare’s incredible yet underrecognized epic poem Venus and Adonis and work together to create a draft of an original theatrical adaptation of the piece.
Through close reading, dramatic consideration, and literary analysis, students will explore the uniquely exciting world of Shakespeare’s narrative poetry and hone their skills in devised theatre by taking a text not meant for the stage and creating a draft of a theatrical rendition.
Shakespeare’s mythological poem tells the story of romantic pursuit at the beginning of time and is rife for theatrical exploration due to its elements of action, passion, and tragedy. The class will culminate in a staged reading of the original adaptation created by the group.
This class will include a lot of out-loud cold reading of text in the class sessions.
Students should bring a notebook and writing implements to class each week.
Small assignments relating to the adaptation process may arise, but homework will not be a major part of the course. 1 hour at maximum.
For reference: Folger Shakespeare Library: Venus and Adonis
Minimum Student Date: Fri 1 Sep 2023 — This course will be cancelled if the minimum number of students have not registered by Sep 1. Registration Cancellation Deadline: Fri 1 Sep 2023 — Registration cancellations must be made by Sep 1 to avoid paying tuition. Payment Due Date: Sat 2 Sep 2023 — Please plan to pay your tuition for this course on Sep 2. Registration Deadline: Fri 8 Sep 2023 — Registrations will be accepted through Sep 8, if space is available. Tuition will be due immediately upon registration. Interested students can register late on a case-by-case basis.
Image: Head and shoulders of the 1795 sculpture of Venus and Adonis by Antonio Canova in the Museum of Art and History (Geneva), as seen from behind. 2019. Photo by Rama. CC BY-SA 2.0 FR. Wikimedia Commons.
Tuition: $137.50