Dear Lovers of all things Shakespeare:
We invite you to join us–as a reader or an observer–for SonnetFest 2014; our fifth annual reading of Shakespeare’s 154 sonnets in celebration of Valentine’s Day on Friday, February 14, 2014.
In the past four years the event has proved so popular that we are continuing this annual tradition where faculty, staff, students, and members of the community gather together to bring Shakespeare’s beautiful ruminations on love (and so much more) to life in the Great Hall of O’Shaughnessy from 11am – 3pm on 2/14/14.
We will read the sonnets in sequence and assign specific sonnet requests on a first-come, first-served basis. Please bear in mind that due to the logistics of the event we must stick to a rather strict timeline (organized by the minute!) in order to stay on schedule.
We are particularly interested in a diverse reading–even if it delves into the unconventional. In the past we have had readings in Korean, Spanish, Filipino, Italian, Japanese, French, Russian, Parseltongue, Morse code, and even Klingon! It is wonderful to hear Shakespeare as he is heard in so many different corners of ‘the globe’ (and beyond!). If you have an idea–ask. We would enjoy the chance to work with you to make it happen.
As stated, we will schedule the event down to the minute, and certain time slots fill VERY quickly. Please respond to this message (scottjackson@nd.edu) at your earliest convenience to ensure that you get your preferred time.
If you would like to participate by reading at the event, please respond with the following info:
1) Name
2) Best contact email address
3) Your schedule restrictions between 11am – 3pm on Friday, 2/14/14
4) Specific sonnet requests (please keep in mind that your availability will dictate if we are able to grant that request)
5) Your affiliation (ie, Students: what is your year and major? Faculty and/or staff: can you please provide your title as you would want it to appear at the event?)
6) Any unconventional requests (ie, reading in a different language, using props and/or costumes, marriage proposals?!?! The sky is the limit!)
If all goes well–and please understand that coordinating 154 of you is no small feat!–I will be able to issue a reading schedule on Monday, February 10th. After issuing this schedule we will not be able to modify it, so PLEASE check your calendars and make sure that you are free during your requested time(s).
In the meantime, you can access an online database of the sonnets at: http://shakespeare.mit.edu/Poetry/sonnets.html
What fun! We sincerely hope that you will be able to participate in what has quickly become one of the College of Arts and Letters’ newest traditions!
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Scott Jackson, Executive Director, Shakespeare at Notre Dame
230 DeBartolo Performing Arts Center
574-631-1563
https://shakespeare.nd.edu/