This class is offered in conjunction with the Great River Shakespeare Festival (GRSF) during July, and will take a performance approach. To that end, GRSF actors and directors will meet with the class to discuss the plays; the instructor will list relevant films that are available to watch (optional) on reserve at the WSU Library or via streaming. The plays should be read before class meetings, and students’ full preparation beforehand will assure an active and productive classroom experience.

Relevant Films:
Hamlet with Lawrence Olivier, 1948. Director:  Olivier.  A classic . This film begins “on stage” and shifts to a film venue and then back to “the stage.  A good sampling of how the performance might have been played in the Globe Theatre and responses from an early modern audience. 145 minutes

Hamlet.  Mel Gibson.  1991.  Director:  Zeffirelli.  Beautiful setting.  Solid acting. Cuts Fortinbras subplot.  130 minutes. 

Hamlet.  Kenneth Branagh.  Director: Branagh.  This film is closest to the whole play. Solid acting. 242 minutes. 

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.  Roth, Oldman.  1990.  This film by Tom Stoppard is Hamlet’s story from Rosencrantz and Guildenterns’ point of view.  Comedy. Solid Acting. 117 minutes

Much Ado About Nothing.  Branagh,Thompson.  Director:  Branagh.  1993. My students love this film. Branagh and Thompson were married in real life during this film.   111 minutes. 

Much Ado About Nothing.  Acker, Denisof.  Director:  Whedon.  2013. Our contemporary version of this play.  108 minutes.  

Jane Carducci earned her B.A. in English from Colorado College. She couldn’t decide what to do with this degree, so she took some time off and, on a lark, moved to Lake Tahoe. Much to her parents’ dismay, she ended up dealing cards in northern Nevada for seven years. Realizing that this was a dead end, she returned to the University of Nevada, Reno and earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in English, specializing in the English Renaissance (specifically Shakespeare) with minors in linguistics and poetry. She has taught various Shakespeare classes at Winona State University for 29 years and published articles about Shakespeare in Shakespeare and Higher Education, Cahiers Elisabethains, Language and Literature, and Literature and Psychology.

Time: The class will meet for 2 hours before the performance and 1 hour afterward:

• The class will meet from 12:30-2:30 p.m.
• Performance at 3:00 p.m.
• The class will meet for a 1-hour discussion after the performance

SENIOR UNIVERSITY CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
If a class must be canceled due to insufficient enrollment, inclement weather, or emergency circumstances, you will be notified as soon as possible and receive a full refund. 

You may withdraw from a class and receive a full refund if we receive your withdrawal and refund request in writing, via email, mail or in person, at least five full business days before the first class date.  Please note: if you pay by check, you will need to complete a W9 form to receive a refund by check from Winona State University.  Credit Card payments will be refunded within 3-5 business days.

Any questions please contact the WSU Retiree Center at 507-457-5565.