Unlocking the Bard: How the Minnesota Shakespeare Society is Reimagining Shakespeare for Students

In a world where Shakespeare often feels distant and daunting, the Minnesota Shakespeare Society is on a mission to bridge the gap between students and the iconic playwright. Founded in the spring of 2024, this vibrant club is dedicated to making the works of Shakespeare more engaging and relatable through innovative activities and lively discussions.

The Birth of a Community

The club was born out of a shared passion among a group of students who took a transformative Shakespeare class with Professor Katherine Scheil. After discovering a newfound appreciation for the Bard's work, they wanted to continue their exploration of his plays together. Meeting twice a month, the society blends discussions with film adaptations of the plays, creating an enriching environment for learning and connection.

Meet the Founders

• Bernadette Rechek - Club President, who emphasizes the collective excitement that drives their activities.
• Olivia Hines - Minnesota Daily Campus Administration Editor, one of the founding members.
• Lucia Nortwen - Social Media Coordinator, who has witnessed the club's growth from a small gathering to a thriving community.
• Ai Xing - Vice President, who found a deeper interest in Shakespeare through the study of female characters.

From Disinterest to Enthusiasm

Many founding members initially had little connection to Shakespeare. Rechek reflected on how their journey transformed their perspectives:

“It’s definitely a collective effort, and it really helps that they’re also just as excited. We’re all really hyped about it, so it’s been a communal effort, getting the club moving.”

Nortwen shared how the turnout exceeded expectations, turning what started as a modest initiative into a popular gathering:

“People have been really coming and enjoying it, and it’s super fun. I was very shocked by our turnout, especially this semester.”

Breaking Down Barriers

Xing, who initially lacked interest in Shakespeare, discovered new dimensions through discussions about female characters. The club encourages a diverse range of interpretations, proving that Shakespeare can appeal to everyone, not just literary critics.

Fun with Shakespeare

The society keeps the atmosphere lively by incorporating memes and acting exercises into their meetings. Rechek hopes attendees walk away with a fresh perspective on Shakespeare:

“I hope people leave the meetings kind of getting to know the plays a little bit more, and get to share their own opinions about Shakespeare too. It’s not a Shakespeare-only fan club.”

Rechek appreciates the camaraderie that stems from discussing Shakespeare's work in a collaborative environment, attributing much of their success to the fun and engaging format of their meetings.

Changing the Perception of Shakespeare

The Minnesota Shakespeare Society aims to reshape how Shakespeare is viewed, challenging the notion that his works are outdated and inaccessible. Rechek encapsulated this vision perfectly:

“I think the vision that a lot of people have in their heads of Shakespeare is, like, really old, kind of stuffy, and difficult. When I actually had a good discussion, we finally got what he was trying to say. We all had the same, ‘Oh, this is actually, this is really fun.’”

What do you think?

• Do you believe Shakespeare can still resonate with modern audiences?
• How important is it to adapt classic literature for younger generations?
• Can social media play a role in promoting interest in Shakespeare's works?
• Is it possible for a contemporary audience to fully grasp the nuances of Shakespeare without extensive study?
• What methods do you think are most effective in making classic literature more accessible?

Join the conversation! The Minnesota Shakespeare Society is proving that the Bard can be both fun and relevant, and they invite everyone to participate in their journey of discovery.