ENGL 342 or “Shakespeare and Ethics,” taught by Dr. Peter Meidlinger will be required to attend a series of Shakespeare Film Nights, and you are invited too.

Meidlinger believes that one of the best ways for his students to learn about Shakespeare is to watch his work performed.

Associate Vice President of Undergraduate Studies and Professor of English, Peter Meidlinger

“Shakespeare was meant to be played, and I think that the more people see his plays adapted to film or live on stage, the more that they come alive. And when they come alive, I think that they are a whole lot easier to understand,” Meidlinger said.

The four films shown throughout the course of the semester are some of Shakespeare’s lesser known work, including a tragedy and some histories. However, Meidlinger chose these plays deliberately to challenge students to think deeply about political leaders.

“I chose all four films because they all have put a leader in front of us and that ruler has vices and virtues. Shakespeare was intensely aware of the potential for rulers to use and abuse power. All four of these rulers in the films uses their powers, at times, for good and bad,” said Meidlinger.

It is for this reason that the film series is open to anyone who has an interest in watching the movies. The hope from the English department is that it will encourage contemplation and conversation about our own leadership.

“We are having conversations now that we’ve never had before in my lifetime, and some say never in America, since the Civil War,” Meidlinger said. “We have a divided country. A ruler can divide or unite us. We have, in this country, the crisis of legitimacy. We also have a question: will the Republic survive a Trump presidency?”

Any student from across campus is invited to engage in this conversation.

“I would welcome students from all political stripes to come to these movies and think more about what we want from a political leadership. What are the signs that someone is abusing their power? If we are going to maintain a strong Republic, all of us have to think very hard about how to keep our leaders accountable,” Meidlinger said.

This poses the question: how are the writings of a dramatist from the 15^th century applicable to our lives or our current politics?

In one way, Meidlinger argues, Shakespeare understood power and that’s what makes him an invaluable resource to those anxious to learn more about those dynamics.

“He dramatizes political issues. He had a sure grasp on the dynamics of power and he explored that in so many ways that he gives us an exhaustive resource in exploring power,” said Meidlinger.

In another, Meidlinger believes that art and drama are ways to learn about life, and Shakespeare is a great catalyst for that conversation.

“If you can look at it through the lens of Shakespeare’s drama, you get a historical and an artistic perspective on things that can allow us to put the current situation in America in perspective,” said Meidlinger.

And if all of these stimulating topics about politics and Shakespeare were not enough to convince you to come, there will also be free pizza available at the film nights.

If you are a person interested in Shakespeare come to the Olin room, downstairs at the library, Tuesdays at 5 p.m. on select dates for the movies. Last week, the group watched Titus Andronicus.

Still remaining are:

Feb. 6- Richard III (1995). Directed by Richard Loncraine; starring Ian McKellen, Annette Bening, Robert Downey Jr., Kristen Scott Thomas, Maggie Smith.

Feb. 27- Henry V (1989). Directed by and starring Kenneth Branaugh.

April 3- Coriolanus (2011). Directed by Ralph Fiennes; starring Ralph Fiennes and Gerard Butler.