CliffHoldsPoetryCourt

RSVP to shakesperience@gmail.com

2011-09-28T04:31:00.000-07:00

Shakesperience! MacBeth

on Sunday, October 23, 2011

[11:30 AM: Potluck & Socializing

1PM: Start / End time @ about 6:30—6:45 PM —

unless "extra innings" will occur (see below)

Clifford Schwartz (MA.) invites you to
a facilitated group-reading workshop:

William Shakespeare’s
" MacBeth ".

No experience is necessary! This is an afternoon to be enjoyed by anyone yearning to “play” big, juicy, famous Shakespearean characters. Each participant will receive a new role assignment at the beginning of each new act, and both small and mid-sized parts will be available.

Those with all levels of familiarity with Shakespeare are welcome. Beginners will learn from the more knowledgeable participants. Everyone will have opportunities to rest and just listen. We will pause to discuss Shakespeare’s language as we go along. The pace of the reading will flow successfully throughout the afternoon as we hold a balance between discussion and digression.

“Raise a hand when you don’t get it!” is The Golden Rule!

______________________________

WHERE: at a beautiful private home in Berkeley CA,

(Directions & location provided upon confirmed RSVP.

Carpools recommended.)

*** Please note: you must RSVP to attend!

RSVP: To Clifford Schwartz at

shakesperience@gmail.com.

Tel: 510-306-0206.

Please include in your RSVP : Name, phone number, number of people you will bring with you, what potluck dish you will bring (see below). Also, for Carpooling (see below), please indicate your starting point so that you may be put in contact with someone in your area.

WHEN: Sunday, October 23, 2011

Cost: Sliding scale , suggested $10—$40 contribution, plus potluck contribution.

For potluck, please bring substantial “eating-food” , i.e. an entree, soup, salad, nice dessert (pie, cake, homebaked goods etc.). You may choose to bring an appetizer or supplemental taste-sensation such as: Grapes & Cheddar-Cheese & baggette; Wine, crackers & cheese; or, ready-made sushi platter; or box of truffle chocolates, etc.

When you RSVP please tell us what you will bring.

BRING: Your mind, your money, your adventurous spirit, your potluck dish contribution (see above); and a copy of " MacBeth "

PARKING and CARPOOLING :

Parking is limited nearby the beautiful home of our Shakesperience! host. Therefore, upon your RSVP, please provide your starting location so that carpools may be arraigned.

NOTE: This Shakesperience! concludes the 2011 monthly workshop series for Reading Shakespeare Aloud (on the fourth Sunday of each month.)

Please watch this space for upcoming announcements concerning the 2012

Shakesperience! Season.

SCHEDULE:

11:00 am: Arrive early to consult privately with Clifford Schwartz, MA.

11:30 am: Potluck lunch /get to know your fellow participants. If you bring a dish we ask that you arrive no than later noon. Janet Mackenzie is Potluck Coordinator -- please contact her at shakesperience@gmail.com to let her know what you’d like to bring.

[Note: to consult privately with Clifford Schwartz, you may arrive as early as 11AM.]

1pm: Playreading Starts

2:30 PM BREAK -- break time may vary slightly

Workshop Ends: When we finish the Last Act of the play!

Mostly, ending time occurs around 6:30—6:45 pm.

WARNING: Shakesperience! sometimes goes into extra innings (like baseball!)

That’s because: 1) the texts of Shakespeare’s plays vary in length;

2) Our “Shakespeare Uncut” experience distinguishes Shakesperience! workshops from other Shakespeare-related events;

3) Heightened Camaraderie combined with Tremendous Good Cheer & the propensity for William Shakespeare’s “words, words, words” to Agitate the Intellect, Fertilize the Imagination, Nurture Emotions, and Lift the Spirit ——

may pleasurably prolong your Shakesperience! beyond any hard-and-fast ending hour!

THEREFORE — Please plan accordingly: understand that sometimes evening commitments require thatShakesperience! workshoppers will go home during “extra innings” overtime.

---------------------------------------------------------

Attention! ANNOUNCEMENT! Attention! ANNOUNCING!

The Shakesperience! Season for AD 2011
Monthly Facilitated Reading Workshops / Same Location & Format

Sunday February 27 : " As You Like It ",

by William Shakespeare

Sunday March 27 : " Twelfth Night ",

by William Shakespeare

Sunday April 24 : " Henry the Fourth, Part One ",

by William Shakespeare

Sunday May 22 : " Julius Caesar ",

by William Shakespeare

Sunday JUNE 26 : "Othello",

by William Shakespeare

Sunday JULY 24 : " A Midsummer Night's Dream ",

by William Shakespeare

Sunday AUGUST 28 : " Love's Labor's Lost ",
by William Shakespeare

Sunday SEPTEMBER 25 : " King Lear ", by William Shakespeare

Sunday OCTOBER 9th, —at Stanford University— "King Henry V", by William Shakespeare

Sunday OCTOBER 23 : "MacBeth", by William Shakespeare

Make reservations Now! Contact us at: shakesperience@gmail.com
And — please forward this link:
www.CliffholdsPoetryCourt.blogspot.com
to everyone that you believe might enjoy

Shakesperience!

AND —

Watch this space for

announcement of

the 2012 Shakesperience! Season!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

A personal message from Clifford Schwartz :

Shakesperience! is dedicated to the memory of
Victoria Maki (1952—2011)
who stimulated the Original MacBeth Reading which took place in October, 1983. One day Victoria telephoned Clifford with an idea:"I want people to read Shakespeare to me all afternoon while I work on my quilting project. Can you help me find people to do this?"
The friends who showed up for the October 1983 MacBeth reading had so much fun that they unanimously declared, "Let's do it again next month!" That first Shakespeare Reading club went on through 1984, and inspired Clifford to give birth to later versions in 1986, 1992, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2009, and now!
All this has slowly evolved into Clifford's Lifework:To organize ordinary people from all walks and stages of human life

to Read Shakespeare Aloud All Day Long.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IMPORTANT — PLEASE READ !! IMPORTANT — PLEASE READ:

* These workshops will hold a maximum of 20 participants. To ensure as many people who wish to attend will have that opportunity, we ask that your intention is to honor your RSVP. If you need to cancel, please do so as far in advance as possible so we can add an eager playreader from the waiting list.

* If the workshop is full when you call or email to RSVP, ask us to put you on the waiting list!

* Please keep in mind there will be no kitchen facilities available to prepare, cook or reheat dishes.

* We respectfully ask that you not wear heavy fragrance.

* These workshops are child-friendly.
Special arrangements can be made for mature children aged 6th grade or older to participate. The child should already have discovered Shakespeare in school or summer camp and loved it! An adult must attend the workshop with the child, and both child and adult must first pass a telephone interview with Clifford Schwartz. For details and to schedule an interview please contact Clifford Schwartz .

Workshop facilitated by Clifford Schwartz, MA

shakesperience@gmail.com

510-306-0206

Organized by Janet MacKenzie

shakesperience@gmail.com

-----------------------------------------------------------

Clifford Schwartz describes

his facilitation work for Shakesperience! :

Over time I have developed a special format which allows me to facilitate a day of learning and growing with reading Shakespeare aloud for whoever may participate. Shakespeare beginners, Shakespeare aficionados, the Shakespeare-curious or the Shakespeare-shy all explore together under my direction as I blend just enough of what Shakespeare actors may do in rehearsal with just enough of what a Shakespeare professor may do in an academic setting.

Unlike passively sitting in a theatre watching a performance, we ourselves make Shakespeare jump off the page. Unlike studying Shakespeare in school, we avoid homework, deadlines, essays, exams, and lonely hours of solitary study. Instead, we finish the day with an entire unabridged Shakespeare play living clearly in our imagination, and we cherish the connections that spring from our teamwork investigation into Shakespeare’s words.

When you arrive I’ll welcome you with details of my special format. It goes far beyond the “round-robin reading circle” that many of us grew up with. I will have prepared precise notes for myself on the Shakespeare play chosen, and these notes will enable me to bring out from Shakespeare’s page whatever you will need to savor the afternoon.

I’m looking forward to meeting you!

RSVP to: shakesperience@gmail.com [510-306-0206]

2011-08-30T16:02:00.000-07:00

.

Shakesperience! King Henry the Fifth

at Stanford University campus

[History Corner, Bldg.200, Room 107]

on Sunday October 9, 2011

[12 Noon: Potluck & Socializing. 12:30 PM: Workshop starts

Ending time: When we will finish the whole play! (Expectedly around. 6—6:30 PM)

AND

Shakesperience! MacBeth

on Sunday, October 23, 2011

in Berkeley California

[11:30 AM: Potluck & Socializing

1PM: Start / End time @ about 6:30—6:45 PM —

unless "extra innings" will occur (see below)

Join us and bring your friends to

Read Shakespeare Aloud

with Camaraderie and Potluck ! ! !

Clifford Schwartz (MA.) invites you to
a facilitated group-reading workshop:

William Shakespeare’s
" King Henry The Fifth "

at Stanford University on Oct. 9, 2011.

and

another facilitated group-reading workshop:

William Shakespeare’s
" MacBeth ".

in Berkeley California on Oct. 23, 2011

“Raise a hand when you don’t get it!” is The Golden Rule!

______________________________

KING HENRY the FIFTH:

When: Sunday October 9, 2011

12 noon: Potluck brunch & socializing

12:30 PM: Playreading workshop starts.

Workshop Ends: When we will finish the whole play!

(Expected ending time: 6—6:30 PM

Where: At Stanford University Campus

“History Corner” / Building 200 / Room: 107
Yahoo Map Link:
http://maps.yahoo.com/#mvt=m&lat=37.42785&lon=-122.168007&zoom=12&q1=Stanford%20University%2C%20Stanford%2C%20CA%2C%2094305

Cost: Free to Stanford Students with ID.

Nonstudents: sliding scale contribution $10—$40 suggested

Potluck Contribution: Please bring healthy, nutritious potluck
snacks, drinks, munchies to sustain us through the day.

Bring: Your mind, your curiosity your adventure spirit,
potluck contribution, and your copy of Th

William Shakespeare’s

" King Henry The Fifth "

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shakesperience! MacBeth

on Sunday, October 23, 2011:

WHERE: at a beautiful private home in Berkeley CA,

(Directions & location provided upon confirmed RSVP.

Carpools recommended.)

*** Please note: you must RSVP to attend!

RSVP: To Clifford Schwartz at

shakesperience@gmail.com.

Tel: 510-306-0206.

WHEN: Sunday, October 23, 2011

Cost: Sliding scale , suggested $10—$40 contribution, plus potluck contribution.

When you RSVP please tell us what you will bring.

BRING: Your mind, your money, your adventurous spirit, your potluck dish contribution (see above); and a copy of " MacBeth "

PARKING and CARPOOLING :

Parking is limited nearby the beautiful home of our Shakesperience! host. Therefore, upon your RSVP, please provide your starting location so that carpools may be arraigned.

NOTE: This Shakesperience! concludes the 2011 monthly workshop series for Reading Shakespeare Aloud (on the fourth Sunday of each month.)

Please watch this space for upcoming announcements concerning the 2012

Shakesperience! Season.

SCHEDULE:

11:00 am: Arrive early to consult privately with Clifford Schwartz, MA.

[Note: to consult privately with Clifford Schwartz, you may arrive as early as 11AM.]

1pm: Workshop Starts

2:30 PM BREAK -- break time may vary slightly

Workshop Ends: When we finish the Last Act of the play!

Mostly, ending time occurs around 6:30—6:45 pm.

WARNING: Shakesperience! sometimes goes into extra innings (like baseball!)

That’s because: 1) the texts of Shakespeare’s plays vary in length;

2) Our “Shakespeare Uncut” experience distinguishes Shakesperience! workshops from other Shakespeare-related events;

may pleasurably prolong your Shakesperience! beyond any hard-and-fast ending hour!

THEREFORE — Please plan accordingly: understand that sometimes evening commitments require that Shakesperience! workshoppers will go home during “extra innings” overtime.

---------------------------------------------------------

Attention! ANNOUNCEMENT! Attention! ANNOUNCING!

The Shakesperience! Season for AD 2011
Monthly Facilitated Reading Workshops / Same Location & Format

Sunday February 27 : " As You Like It ",

by William Shakespeare

Sunday March 27 : " Twelfth Night ",

by William Shakespeare

Sunday April 24 : " Henry the Fourth, Part One ",

by William Shakespeare

Sunday May 22 : " Julius Caesar ",

by William Shakespeare

Sunday JUNE 26 : "Othello",

by William Shakespeare

Sunday JULY 24 : " A Midsummer Night's Dream ",

by William Shakespeare

Sunday AUGUST 28 : " Love's Labor's Lost ",
by William Shakespeare

Sunday SEPTEMBER 25 : " King Lear ", by William Shakespeare

Shakesperience!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

A personal message from Clifford Schwartz :

Shakesperience! is dedicated to the memory of
Victoria Maki (1952—2011)
who stimulated the Original MacBeth Reading which took place in October, 1983. One day Victoria telephoned Clifford with an idea:"I want people to read Shakespeare to me all afternoon while I work on my quilting project. Can you help me find people to do this?"
The friends who showed up for the October 1983 MacBeth reading had so much fun that they unanimously declared, "Let's do it again next month!" That first Shakespeare Reading club went on through 1984, and inspired Clifford to give birth to later versions in 1986, 1992, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2009, and now!
All this has slowly evolved into Clifford's Lifework:To organize ordinary people from all walks and stages of human life

to Read Shakespeare Aloud All Day Long.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IMPORTANT — PLEASE READ !! IMPORTANT — PLEASE READ:

* If the workshop is full when you call or email to RSVP, ask us to put you on the waiting list!

* Please keep in mind there will be no kitchen facilities available to prepare, cook or reheat dishes.

* We respectfully ask that you not wear heavy fragrance.

Workshop facilitated by Clifford Schwartz, MA

shakesperience@gmail.com

510-306-0206

Organized by Janet MacKenzie

shakesperience@gmail.com

-----------------------------------------------------------

Clifford Schwartz describes

his facilitation work for Shakesperience! :

I’m looking forward to meeting you!

2009-08-08T00:52:00.000-07:00

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" (August 23, 2009)

For one of the seventeen Shakespeareans who read aloud "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in Menlo Park on August 23, 2009, the afternoon brought to her mind moments of a very famous production of this play that she had witnessed : Director Peter Brook's 1970 interpretation for The Royal Shakespeare Company. (So innovating was this staging of Shakespeare's classic comedy, that it is remembered as "Peter Brook's Dream," and became a standard reference for late 20th-century "modern" Shakespearean productions.)

The presence of two old friends who had been with me since the beginning of my Shakespeare Reading Club adventures in the 1980's brought special happiness and continuity to the event: Tom, who has attended every version of "Shakespeare Reading Club" since 1983, and Ron, who literally drove over Straight to Shakespeare from SFO where his plane landed that morning and who now lives in Milwaukee. Old friends mixed with new ones as we explored, savored, and discussed Shakespeare's poetry throughout the afternoon.

-- Clifford Schwartz

2009-07-05T04:30:00.000-07:00

What is CliffHoldsPoetryCourt?

CliffHoldsPoetryCourt® is a blog for participants in two workshops facilitated by Clifford Joseph Schwartz, MA, and which meet regularly in the San Francisco Bay Area. For information and to contact us, please email: cliffholdspoetrycourt@gmail.com

1. Clifford's Experiential Shakespeare Reading Workshops — Shakesperience! ®:
CJS organizes people from all walks of life into operative teams who read aloud entire Shakespeare Plays in one sitting. We meet in private homes or in public spaces with a homey, comfortable environment which allows eating food. These Experiential Shakespeare Reading Workshops involve groups ranging from a minimum quorum of twelve (12) people and up to a maximum of twenty (20) participants. Individuals may hire CJS to conduct an Experiential Shakespeare Workshop in their own homes for their choice of family, friends, or social contacts. Corporations may hire CJS to conduct an Experiential Shakespeare Workshop for employees or business contacts to enhance and develop cordial and trusting human resources.

2. Structured Conversation with Poetry® is a workshop facilitated by Clifford Joseph Schwartz, MA, in which participants explore the history of poetry in the English language while using that poetry to seize the power of words to discover and express what it is that we truly think and feel.
Principle for Structured Conversation with Poetry® :
• We avoid chit-chat and small talk
• We develop and expand our listening skills as we build a civilized conversation.
• We do not interrupt or debate.
• We practice active and consistent listening to replace gratuitous verbal sparring.
• We think aloud and wonder aloud.
• We explore and discover intellectually.
• Through structured conversation with poetry we uncover and express the meanings in our lives.
• English majors & former college English majors delightedly share and teach their knowledge about poetry.
• Poetry Beginners are Welcome!
• No homework! Preparation between meetings is not required.

PLEASE NOTE:

1. Events coordinator working with CJS is: Janet MacKenzie

To contact Janet to coordinate your event email: shakesperience@gmail.com

2. CJS invites you to ask questions about his Masters Thesis. Email to cliffholdspoetrycourt@gmail.com
Masters Thesis Title:"The Sea and the Mirror: W.H. Auden's Poetic Commentary on Shakespeare's The Tempest".

2007-10-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

Hello! this is the official needsment assistant of Cliff Holds Poetry Court reminding thee that tonight be a night dedicated to prosody, rhyme and meter alike, so fill up your cuplet (or to or three) with spirits, wine and melody. At THE PUB from 5pm - 7:30 or until they kick us out, hope to see you all there!!

I have been slow to post the poems poetry court read last week, but here they are:

I had never heard of Weldon Kees, but as cliff informed us, he was a part of the beat movement, but died before it became famous. We read by Weldon Kees "the coming of the plague." This poem had dreamlike, post-apocolyptic imagery which reminded cliff of the next poem:

Lord Byron's "Darkness." This poem was shockingly modern, because its imagery alluded to something that wee al know as nuclear war