Volume CXXXIII, Number 4 October 3, 2003 f

Senior holds weekly Shakespeare sonnet readings
ELAINE JOHANSON
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Thus began the weekly performance of "Shakespeare's Sonnets," a 14-line display of memorized exuberance in bare feet. Though short, Hargate's performance of Sonnet 116 attracted twice as many people as the previous week's installment. "It made me want to come back next week and see her again," said senior Aliza Marks.

Hargate is currently moving the time around to accommodate different schedules but is planning to continue the weekly format. Her interest in Shakespeare was sparked after taking professor Davis Robinson's Performing Shakespeare class last year, which led to her participation in a summer workshop with Shakespeare and Co. in Lenox, Massachusetts. The workshop focused on embodying the words of Shakespeare through voice work, movement, dance, stage combat, and clowning. Hargate is currently pursuing an independent study in clowning with Robinson, who was present at the performance.

"It's literally artistic and social," Robinson said, motioning towards the small groups of people talking around the steps afterwards. Without Hargate, he said, people would not have been brought together, or even outside, on such a lovely afternoon.

Robinson also noted that Hargate "really helps make the meaning of the sonnet come through to the audience," something that she has worked hard to do.

"Shakespeare hones in on real human nature, which we have lost over the years," Hargate said.

For a short period this Tuesday, it was refreshingly found. Hargate is hoping to extend future performances with other students and is organizing a sonnet showcase for later in the semester. For now, though, it is enough to spend a few minutes each week watching Hargate and enjoying the outdoor arena in which Shakespeare intended to be heard.

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