ENG5998-0012 – Spring 2027 – Hand

Early modern drama was written to be performed, yet plays are often engaged through silent, solitary reading. This group allows us to gather and experience these texts through live, embodied, collaborative reading, to say and hear the written words.

The setup is simple: in each session, we'll read a play together and have a brief discussion after. You don't have to be a trained actor or an early modernist to participate. Plays will be circulated in advance, so prior reading is an option but not a requirement.

We'll determine times, locations, and texts at the beginning of the term based on everyone's schedules and interests. Plays may include "greatest hits" as well as overlooked gems, Shakespearean bangers as well as less frequently studied plays that happened to be highly successful in their own moment.

Requirements: for one credit hour, show up and participate regularly. For two credit hours, show up and participate regularly, and prepare to introduce one play during the semester and to guide discussion after.