D-E's Shakespeare Society recently enjoyed a trip to New York's Shakespeare in the Park festival, experiencing a relatively new but increasingly popular school tradition extending into summer. Coordinated by English Department Chair Fred Daly, the group launched two years ago, fueled by the idea of gathering a group of Shakespeare aficionados, both students and faculty members, in order to read and experience Shakespeare's plays together. The Society reads several plays each year, gathering for dinner and conversation in Hulst House.

Thus far the Society has completed Twelfth Night, Henry IV, part 1; As You Like It; Antony and Cleopatra; and The Merchant of Venice. In September 2010 they will tackle The Tempest, followed by Othello in January.  The idea is that students join in Grade 9, so by the time they graduate, they'll have read twelve Shakespeare plays in addition to whatever they read in their regular coursework.  The group also tries to see productions when possible (including New York's popular Shakespeare in the Park.)

Daly explains: "Last summer we waited in line (in Central Park) starting at 6:00 AM to get tickets for Twelfth Night, starring Anne Hathaway. They give out tickets at 1:00, so we were there seven hours. Then we went home for naps, and came back in for the show. Several brand-new (Society) members came, including a (newly-enrolled) student who had yet to attend a class at D-E.  She decided to join and come to the play even though she hadn't met anyone yet. What was especially nice was that the students had this one thing in common, and that gave them plenty to chat about.  It rained that night, so there was a thirty-minute pause in Act 1, while we all huddled under umbrellas and waited. But the kids loved the production, and we brought them back to campus around midnight. This year we went twice, on a Thursday to see The Merchant of Venice with Al Pacino, and two days later to see The Winter's Tale. This time we picnicked, and (even) more students turned out to wait in the ticket line. Once again, (it was a full day's experience) ending with a late night return to the D-E campus.  They (all) loved the productions."

Daly continues:  "(T)hese students are so dedicated that they are willing to get up super-early during their summer vacation to wait in line for hours so they can see Shakespeare! (I also am grateful to their parents for getting them up and out so early!) There's a great sense of camaraderie on the line as we read, play cards, chat about school, etc. It's nice to spend time with such wonderful nerds. Also, getting your tickets this way increases appreciation for the (entire) experience.  I hope we've started a tradition that will last a long time here at D-E!"