Shakespeare For All
By Cindy Niedoroda
If you’d like to go forth in the world with a better understanding and appreciation of Shakespeare and his works, you can’t do better than to attend Bob Smith’s weekly Shakespeare class. I’ve been attending them for ten years and there are others who have been taking part for more than twice as long. The classes are held on Fridays, 12:00-1:30, at El Barrio Artspace, P.S. 109, 215 East 99th St. between 2nd and 3rd Ave.
Bob has been involved in productions of Shakespeare’s plays for most of his life—at age 16 he was the dresser for the American Shakespeare Festival. He has coached and directed some of the world’s greatest actors, among them notably John Houseman, with whom he worked for many years. His wide experience illuminates his explanations of the text as he reads the great works to us line by line. Bob has a keen sense of humor, a quick wit, and a great knowledge of the history of the times and Shakespeare’s life. What’s more, his comments often relate brilliantly to current events. He captures your attention and deepens your understanding of the various characters and their plights. Bob is the author of an award-winning memoir called Hamlet’s Dresser which traces his love of Shakespeare back to his childhood. The Library Journal wrote that “Smith is the teacher we all should have had to introduce us to Shakespeare.”
Fall schedule
Sept. 6 – Oct. 4: Henry the Sixth, Part One
Oct.11 – Nov. 8: Henry the Sixth, Part Two
Nov.15 – Dec. 20: Henry the Sixth, Part Three
According to Bob, these early plays “include many of the most fabulous characters in all of Shakespeare. Not least, Joan of Arc.”
Each five week session costs $225 and you can pay Bob by check when you arrive for the first class. To find the small theater where we meet in the El Barrio Center, take the elevator or stairs to the basement level and walk to the end of the long corridor where a door to the right will be open for entry. You will be supplied with a photocopy of the current play.
Hope to see you there.
