The Shakespeare Time-Traveling Speakeasy, led by REGIE GIBSON, is a musical and literary concert focusing on the background, mysteries, works, and impact of William Shakespeare. The Speakeasy uses American musical forms (blues, jazz, hiphop, country, etc…) as backdrop for stories, poems, songs and humor relating to “the Cat from Strat” (Stratford upon Avon, that is). Imagine a walking-tour through 16th century London narrated in “beat poet” style. Or, an Elizabethan sonnet liberated from the cage of its page and soulfully sang. Or, picture a verbal smackdown between characters from Shakespeare’s plays that you, as a member of the audience, will get to judge! Whether you are scholar or novice, student or teacher, Shakespeare lover or loather, the Shakespeare Time-Traveling Speakeasy will engage you and give you a new appreciation for “The Bard”.
Literary performer REGIE GIBSON has lectured and performed widely in the U.S., Cuba, and Europe. As a representative of the U.S., Regie received the Absolute Poetry Award in Monfalcone, Italy. He and his work appear in “love jones”, a feature-film based on events in his life. Gibson has been featured on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, various NPR programs, nominated for a Boston Emmy, and has been a featured presenter for several TEDx events. He’s served as a consultant for the National Endowment for the Arts, James Madison’s Montpelier and is Poet-in-Residence for Mass Poetry. Regie has performed with & composed texts for, The Boston City Singers, The Mystic Chorale, the Handel+Haydn Society, and is a recent recipient of a 2017 Brother Thomas Fellowship for Artistic Excellence from The Boston Foundation.
Can’t get enough Shakespeare? Join other enthusiasts at the Athenæum’s Shakespeare Discussion Group for readings and discussions every second Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m.