Back by popular demand, the Aspen Institute presents Sharing Shakespeare, a moderated, roundtable discussion series that takes place one night a month for 6 months.  Beginning in October, the 2025-26 session will explore one of Shakespeare’s most significant works, King Lear.  We will focus the entire six-month series on one play, and by doing so, participants will read one act per month and share their insights and questions to reach a deeper understanding of one of Shakespeare’s most beloved and performed plays. Volunteer moderators will lead participants through lively discussions dissecting the intriguing scenes and characters in King Lear while uncovering themes that still resonate today.  

Dates and Times:  Monday nights from 6:00–8:00 pm MT October 20, November 17, December 15, January 12, February 9, March 9.

Location: Aspen Institute, Aspen Meadows Campus

Registration is now closed as the 2025-26 series has begun. Please email acp@aspeninstitute.org for more information.

King Lear, Act II
Storms Brewing: Power, Pride, and Betrayal in King Lear’s Act II

Act II of King Lear is where the storm clouds really start to gather—though not yet the famous storms to come. Edmund schemes his way into power, Gloucester is duped, Kent is put in the stocks, and tensions between Goneril, Regan, and Lear erupt into open hostility. It’s Shakespearean family drama at full throttle. We will dive into themes including betrayal masked as loyalty, pride unraveling into folly, and cruelty masquerading as strength. We will explore who deserves our trust – and consider transitions of power, legacy and estate planning!

Moderated by Peter Waanders and Morgan Walsh.

Module 1
October 20
King Lear, Overview and Act I moderated by Ted Frisbie and Sandi Kister

November 17
King Lear, Act II moderated by Peter Waanders and Morgan Walsh

December 15
King Lear, Act III moderated by Dipika Rai and Michael Onufrak