Fremont Library to host Shakespeare programs
Fremont Public Library will host a full slate of programs in February to coincide with the exhibition of the "First Folio! The Book that gave us Shakespeare" exhibit at the Lake County Discovery Museum in Wauconda, the only Illinois site to host this touring exhibit from the Folger Shakespeare Library.
The timing is appropriate: 2016 marks the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death.
• "Why Shakespeare is Still Relevant" will be presented at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3. Considered the greatest writer of English literature, Shakespeare's influence was felt during his lifetime and has grown throughout the years. This presentation will focus on Shakespeare's life, the authorship of the plays and his career as actor, playwright and part owner of the Globe Theater. The presenter, literary scholar Peter Ponzio, has written a number of articles on Shakespeare.
• "Create a Quote of Art: A Painting Workshop" will run from 1:30-3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9. Art teacher Christine Thornton will teach participants how to draw a decorative border around an inspirational Shakespeare quote of their choice and then add color with watercolor pencils. Beginners welcome.
• "A Play on Words" with The Kirk Players will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10. Shakespeare created more than 1,700 words, many still in use today, by changing many existing nouns into verbs and verbs into adjectives, and by adding prefixes and suffixes to them. In this 60-minute workshop led by The Kirk Players, attendees will be using many of these Shakespearean words in small group skits. Knowledge of theater or Shakespeare is not required to participate. All ages welcome.
• "The Bard of Avon, Wednesday," 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17. In this program, the Bard himself (portrayed by Terry Lynch) talks about his life, loves and works. Suitable for adults and students in sixth grade and up.
• Shakespeare's Women, 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 29. Although performed by boy players in the Renaissance theater, Shakespeare's female roles are rich, varied, flesh-and-blood characters that have captivated generations of audiences. This presentation by Shakespeare lecturer John Nygro will examine several memorable female characters in the Bard's plays, focusing on their power, motivations and the risks they take.
All programs are free. To register, call (948) 918-3225.