Shaking Up Shakespeare: ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Modern-Day Retelling

Wednesday, March 29, 2023
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Join us at the Cold Spring branch as we celebrate the 400th anniversary of the publication of Shakespeare’s First Folio!

Shaking Up Shakespeare is a year-long series taking place at the Cold Spring branch, where we will Shake Up the ways in which you view Shakespeare. Shakespeare’s works are timeless and have been the inspiration for many of our favorite modern-day tales. Join us each month as we explore four of Shakespeare’s most popular works through classroom-style discussions, theatrical performances, and popular movies inspired by the plays!

This month, join us for a showing of a modern-day movie that is a retelling of The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet with a twist. We will be showing Steven Spielberg’s latest adaptation of a famous musical in which two teens’ burgeoning romance helps to fuel the fire between two rival gangs vying for control of the streets. After the movie, talk about key points and differences between the source text and the film adaptation!

What is The First Folio?

The First Folio, officially titled Mr. William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies, is a collection of Shakespeare’s works. Published in 1623, seven years after Shakespeare’s death, the First Folio is considered to be one of the most influential books in history. The First Folio contains plays which had never before appeared in print, including As You Like It, Julius Caesar, Macbeth, The Tempest, and many more. Without the First Folio, 18 of Shakespeare’s plays might have been lost forever.

To learn more about the First Folio, please visit the Folger Shakespeare Library.

Where can I read Shakespeare’s works?

You can find Shakespeare’s many works in our collection, both in physical and digital formats! Search by specific title or by author in the library’s catalog to place items on hold.

Some of Shakespeare’s works are always available in our digital collection! Visit Kentucky Libraries Unbound and log in with your library card number, or search “Shakespeare” in the Libby by Overdrive app! If you have never used Libby or Kentucky Libraries Unbound and are unsure how to get started, visit any of our branches to speak with an Information Services librarian for assistance.

To view a complete list of Shakespeare’s works, please visit the Folger Shakespeare Library.

Upcoming Events:

Join us on April 19th as we begin discussing The Sonnets! The first 15 registrants will receive a free copy of No Fear Shakespeare: The Sonnets, so make sure to reserve your spot! Registration opens on Saturday, February 18th.

Our discussion on The Sonnets continues in May and June!

On May 17th, join us for a special performance by the Shakespeare Trio! Enjoy the sonnets performed with historically accurate music and vocals. Registration opens on Saturday, March 18th.

On June 21st, Ronnie Chamberlain from Northern Kentucky University’s School of the Arts joins us to discuss theatrical costume design for Shakespearean productions! Registration opens on Saturday, April 22nd.

This event is open to all ages.

Please note any accommodation requests in the Special Needs section of the registration form.

Check out all our programs in our online newsletter, at https://www.cc-pl.org/connections.

If you have any questions, please contact Danielle at dheiert@cc-pl.org or all Cold Spring programmers at csprograms@cc-pl.org.

Cold Spring Branch