Shakespeare Visits the Rotary Club

Event Recap

Ben Martin, a long time ESU member and Rotary Club member, organized a special "Shakespeare Day" at the weekly Rotary Club meeting in Lee's Summit, Mo. on April 23, 2015.

Ben contacted Olivia Sloan and Molly Williams, ESU's First and Third Place winners of the Kansas City Branch Shakespeare Competition, and asked them to perform their Shakespeare monologues and sonnets before the Rotary Club audience of about 85 members and guests. Ben explained that the English-Speaking Union's Shakespeare Competition began in Kansas City 31 years ago and is ESU's flagship national educational program for high school students.

Ben also described the First Folio document to the audience and explained that one of the original First Folios will be in Kansas City next year at the Kansas City Public Library from June 6-28, 2016. Ben even brought his own personal copy of the Norton Facsimile of the First Folio for everyone to see.

Ben's introduction to the program explained the major role Shakespeare plays in everyday life today with common phrases and words we use today that were originally authored by Shakespeare in the 16th century.

There also was a Shakespeare trivia contest led by the Rotary's Sergeant at Arms.

Matt Rapport, Director of Education for the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, gave a talk about the Festival's history in Kansas City, including its upcoming 25th anniversary in 2016. He explained the Festival's various educational and outreach programs including Camp Shakespeare, The Shakespeare Studio, Shakespeare in the Classroom, and other school-based educational programs.

Matt reminded the audience of the Festival's upcoming production of King Lear starring John Rensenhouse in the title role coming to Southmoreland Park June 16 to July 5.

Matt talked about the challenges of performing Shakespeare to a modern audience using Elizabethan dialogue. He then performed the "Band of Brothers" speech from Henry V.

It was a fun afternoon and great opportunity to introduce Shakespeare to an enthusiastic audience, some of whom had not experienced Shakespeare's dialogue, monologues and sonnets before.

Some ESU members also attended the Rotary Club program including Jeff Schnabel, Deborah McArdle and Bob McCoy.

Click here to see Photo Gallery from the Shakespeare Day at the Rotary Club

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