Testimonials
Ms. Roche is a highly skilled teacher. She is able to bring together key elements of this rich literary experience in an accessible way without losing any of the profound complexities inherent in these bedrock works of art. In a typical class we cover elements of the play’s powerful language, its historical moment, the politics of the time and the social history that is always suggestive in Shakespeare’s work.
Just to have the opportunity to read the plays and listen to the discussion is a pleasure. Seeing films of the plays is an added bonus. You fill a void.
Marie has unusual skill in creating a learning experience for ALL no matter their academic or experiential backgrounds
Her choice of plays and themes is fascinating and relevant to current events.
Thank you for a very enjoyable class this summer. The Shakespeare On Film was fun and a welcome distraction from the nerve-wracking summer of 2020. I like how we were able to kill 5 birds with one stone; I got to study a Shakespeare play I hadn’t read before, and watch four very different versions of it. I enjoyed meeting the other class participants, and I enjoyed the intellectual stimulation overall. I hope you do another Shakespeare On Film program next summer!
This is such a hidden gem here in western Massachusetts and a model for any university setting to bring important artworks to their communities.
Marie makes class members of any knowledge level completely welcome.
Marie is amazingly skilled at bringing everyone into the conversation, respecting every individual’s quirky style of communication, their practice with analysis, and their awareness of how long they have been speaking. She manages to keep the conversation friendly and engaging- quite a feat!
I have been attending Marie Roche’s Community Shakespeare classes since 2014. It is, in my view, the best education asset in the Pioneer Valley.