Free Films on Thursday evenings in April and May 2020.
Easton, MD – Back for his 456th blockbuster appearance: Will Shakespeare! Come see tales of power and romance, laughs and tears — and a heartwarming bit with a donkey. Suzanne Sanders, creator of Friending Shakespeare at the Chesapeake Forum, introduces five top-notch films, with hints on what to enjoy. Every day is brighter with a bit of the Bard! And all five films are free and open to the public.
Suzanne Sanders earned a B.A. in Humanities from Johns Hopkins because, hey, somebody has to balance out all those pre-med students. She has worked as a journalist, bartender, metaphysical manager, poet, full-tilt mom, and Russian translator. She teaches the occasional class at Chesapeake College and volunteers at the library. She will bring evocative and engaging commentary to each film.
Still Dreaming (2014)
Thursday, April 16, 6 – 8 p.m.
When people in a retirement home decide to stage Midsummer Night’s Dream, they’re in for a struggle. Everyone has challenges. Nothing is as it first appears. Still, creativity is magical! An award-winning true story.
93 min. Not Rated
Richard III (1995)
Thursday, April 23, 5 – 8 p.m.
Imagine an England that went fascist in the 1930’s. Add one gleefully murderous psychopath plotting to take the crown. Fireworks! Action-packed drama starring Ian McKellen, Annette Bening, Robert Downey, Jr., and Maggie Smith.
104 min. Rated: R
Much Ado About Nothing (1993)
Thursday, April 30, 5 – 8 p.m.
Love can make anyone stupid, even the smartest people in the room. Can their friends bring them together, or will they wreck their own lives first? Sunny Italy has a few shadows! A clever romp starring Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thompson, Keanu Reeves, and Denzel Washington.
111. min. Rated: PG13
Julius Caesar (2019)
Thursday, May 21, 5 – 8 p.m.
A powerful person makes a lot of friends. Yet what should be done when a friend goes too far?
This acclaimed Donmar Warehouse production directed by Phyllida Lloyd is set in a women’s prison with an all-female cast. It is an old tale that takes on a modern, razor-sharp edge. A drone offers a stark reminder of the prison setting, and heavy metal music blasts to highlight the conflict on stage. The Guardian called this production “one of the most important theatrical events of the past 20 years.”
Striking drama starring Harriet Walker and Jade Anouka.
116 min. Not Rated.
Twelfth Night (2013)
Thursday, May 28, 4:30 – 8 p.m.
Mistaken identity turns romance upside down. Song, dance, and sword fights! A hilarious all-male cast at the Globe Theatre gives you the original experience. And yes, it really does work with guys in dresses! Touching, tumbling farce starring Mark Rylance and Stephen Fry.
175 min. Not Rated.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Talbot County Free Library and Chesapeake Film Festival. In honor of Pete Howell.
These riveting films are free and open to the public. No reservations are required, and seating is first come, first serve. For more information, please visit http://www.tcfl.org/Calendar/ and chesapeakefilmfestival.com.
“Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” (Twelfth Night)
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Talbot Library