Brogan: Where There's A 'Will,' There's A Way!

More than 400 years after his passing, the name of William Shakespeare is still instantly recognizable to just about everyone.

Whether on-stage, screen, television or in the classroom, Shakespeare continues to be performed and talked about. For many actors, tackling a role in a play by Shakespeare is the crowning triumph of their career.

For many of us, the first taste of "the Bard" a sobriquet that has been attached to Shakespeare's name for what seems, forever, was in a high school classroom. For me it was at Bishop Brady High School in Concord and when Sister Stella first broached the topic, you could hear some audible groans from classmates. By the time we had finished reading "Romeo and Juliet" and later, "Hamlet" there was at least a grudging respect and admiration for the works from a few of the naysayers.

Like opera and ballet, Shakespeare may not be for everyone but for those who take the time to delve beneath the surface, they will find some richly written characters and some stories that are often as relevant today as when they were written. A Shakespearean tragedy, a romantic tale or a comedy that is as fresh and funny as anything being written today, illustrate the range and skill of William Shakespeare.

Shakespeare's works have been adapted for stage, television and the movies more than any other author in history. For director/actors like Laurence Olivier and Kenneth Branagh, they represented a challenge to bring the works live for millions of moviegoers. Franco Zeffirelli adapted "Romeo and Juliet" into an astounding popular 1968 film and "West Side Story" was a very successful adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet" still performed, frequently, today.

Even Joss Whedon, the producer of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" made a very well-received modern-day version of "Much Ado About Nothing" in 2012.

In Concord, The Stratford Club has been meeting regularly since 1881 to celebrate, study and to keep alive a cross-section of Shakespearean works. More than 140 years after their founding, the Club meets on Monday afternoons, every other work, beginning the first Monday in October and continuing into May. They gather in the beautiful Shakespeare Room located in Concord's historic Public Library.

Members range in age from teenagers to their oldest member, my mom, who just turned 99, and remains committed to an organization that has brought her much joy over the past 35 years.

Recently the Club President, Nancy Haigh and longtime member, Janine Condi, stopped by my television show, "Capital Area Chats" We had a spirited and delightful half hour visit, discussing the organization that I recently joined. Here is the link to our talk: (27) Capital Area Chats - The Stratford Club - YouTube

When I joined, I was not quite sure what to expect. To my surprise, I have found myself thoroughly immersed in discovering facets of Shakespeare that I never imagined I would connect with so readily. I have always felt that I never want to stop learning or exploring new avenues and making discoveries. The Stratford Club is satisfying that wish in an environment that is stimulating, fun and often surprising. I was also pleased to discover that many of the expressions we continue to use in life, had their root in a play by William Shakespeare. (i.e. "All that glitters is not gold")

If you never cared for Shakespeare, try attending a meeting and see if you don't come away with a new perspective. If you enjoy his many works, consider joining and finding a bond amongst others who appreciate his work.

The next meeting is on Monday afternoon, January 9th. If you are interested, email Nancy Haigh at nchaigh34@comcast.net.

Why not make one of your New Year's resolutions to be rediscovering William Shakespeare by becoming a member of an extraordinarily welcoming group of locals.