Please join us as Mark Schenker, formerly of Yale College, returns to Wilton Library this fall to present a brief survey of British comic plays over four centuries, ranging from a classic romantic comedy by Shakespeare to a 20th-century farce that involves a play within a play.
Along the way Mark will offer insights on Restoration comedy, the distinction between "sentimental" comedy and “laughing” comedy, and variations on the comedy of manners.
Sep. 12 Twelfth Night (1601)
William Shakespeare
Sep. 26 The Country Wife (1675)
William Wycherley
Oct. 10 She Stoops to Conquer (1773)
Oliver Goldsmith
Oct. 24 The School for Scandal (1777)
Richard Brinsley Sheridan
Nov. 7 The Importance of Being Earnest (1895)
Oscar Wilde
Dec. 12 Noises Off (1982)
Michael Frayn
These lectures are made possible with the support of the Literary Series in Memory of Amy Quigley.
Mark J. Schenker, having served in various decanal roles in Yale College since 1990, retired last year. A former lecturer in the English Department, he received his Ph.D. from Columbia University with a concentration in 19th-century and early 20th-century English Literature. He had taught previously at Columbia, New York University, and Trinity College (Hartford, CT). Outside of academia, Mark has for over 35 years lectured on literature and film, and has led book discussion series in more than 100 venues in Connecticut, including public libraries, museums, and cultural centers. He also conducts monthly sessions for a number of private reading groups in the state. In 2001, he received the Wilbur Cross Award for Outstanding Humanities Scholar, presented by the Connecticut Humanities Council.