Exploring 'Romeo and Juliet' in Greenwich

Shakespearian raconteur Bob Smith will lead Shakespeare fans on a wide-ranging discussion of Romeo and Juliet beginning Wednesday, April 1 at 7 p.m. in the Greenwich Library’s Cole Auditorium.

For his 26th session at Greenwich Library, Smith selected one of Shakespeare’s most loved works. According to Smith, “In the 10 years we’ve been exploring these great texts, it’s hard to believe that we are only now getting to this wonderful early work. I’ve directed this divine play three times and can’t wait to have a go at it for seven whole weeks with my Greenwich group.”

Smith describes what makes Romeo and Juliet such an exciting play to discuss. “It’s 1594. New to London life, Will Shakespeare’s been amassing all the creative energy that propels genius. And he scored a direct hit with this young play about young people. The language is extraordinary. For 3,400 lines, passion pushes poetry to where it’s never been before, and more than four centuries later, it still wows us.”

Library Journal has described Smith as “the teacher we all should have had to introduce us to Shakespeare.” The Boston Globe called him “inspired and inspiring.”

The class will run for seven consecutive Wednesdays from April 1 through May 13, concluding with the film.

The series is open to all and is free. Copies of the play will be provided.

The Shakespeare series is made possible through the support of the Greenwich Library Board of Trustees and donor contributions.

For more information, contact Matthew Sgritta at msgritta@greenwichlibrary.org or at 203-622-7972.

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