Do you love Shakespeare, classic literature, or reimagined stories that continue to captivate modern audiences? Are you looking for a space to connect with others who share your passion for storytelling?
Then the ASC No Kidding Book Club is perfect for you! Hosted at the Staunton Public Library, this free book club for adults aged 18+ meets on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month at 3 PM. It’s a lively and welcoming space where we dive into fascinating texts and enjoy spirited conversations—all centered around Shakespeare’s enduring influence on literature and theatre.
FREE BOOK CLUB FOR ADULTS IN STAUNTON
Whether you’re revisiting the classics or discovering contemporary works, we’ve curated our reading list into exciting themes that spark discussion and deepen your connection to these powerful stories. If you need help finding a particular book, our Education Team is ready to assist. Many of these titles are available at the Staunton Public Library, and you can also pick up copies at The Book Dragon Shop in Downtown Staunton, just blocks away from The Blackfriars Playhouse.
NO KIDDING BOOK CLUB READING LIST
Take a look at the exciting themes we’re diving into this year, each featuring must-read plays and novels guaranteed to spark lively discussions. Check out the complete No Kidding Book Club Reading List.
1. COMEDY AND TRAGEDY: SHAKESPEARE’S TWO FACES
Whether you crave laughter or intense drama, these plays by Shakespeare’s contemporaries deliver both charm and heart-wrenching emotion.
TRAGEDIES OF REVENGE, POWER, AND BETRAYAL:
The Revenger’s Tragedy by Thomas Middleton: A bloody exploration of corruption, justice, and moral decay in a ruthless society.
The Duchess of Malfi by John Webster: Power, betrayal, and autonomy clash in this dark and chilling tragedy.
The Spanish Tragedy by Thomas Kyd: One of the earliest revenge tragedies, this play paved the way for Hamlet’s exploration of vengeance.
COMEDIES OF WIT, CHARM, AND TRANSFORMATION:
The Shoemaker’s Holiday by Thomas Dekker: A delightful comedy about love, ambition, and the lives of everyday citizens in bustling London.
The Honest Whore by Thomas Dekker and William Rowley: A charming comedy that examines virtue and vice, with themes of redemption and transformation.
Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet) by Ann-Marie MacDonald: A modern play that humorously rewrites the endings of Othello and Romeo and Juliet through a feminist lens.
2. LGBTQ+ STORIES AND THEMES: LOVE, IDENTITY, AND DEFIANCE
Shakespeare was known for challenging gender roles and questioning identity, and the works in this theme continue that exploration with bold LGBTQ+ narratives that defy convention and celebrate love.
Shakespeare’s R&J by Joe Calarco: A modern take on Romeo and Juliet set in a strict boarding school, where students challenge boundaries of love and gender.
The Brothers Size by Tarell Alvin McCraney: A contemporary retelling of The Winter’s Tale, blending themes of brotherhood and self-discovery in the modern South.
Fat Ham by James Ijames: A modern, queer reimagining of Hamlet, set in the American South, exploring themes of family, identity, and revenge.
Desdemona: A Play About a Handkerchief by Paula Vogel: A feminist, LGBTQ+ reimagining of Othello that focuses on Desdemona’s relationships and identity.
I, Cinna (The Poet) by Tim Crouch: A modern exploration of Julius Caesar’s Cinna, blending LGBTQ+ identity with themes of political defiance.
3. MODERN RETELLINGS: FRESH TAKES ON SHAKESPEAREAN CLASSICS
Do you love to see Shakespeare’s classics reimagined for today’s world? These contemporary novels and plays offer exciting twists on the Bard’s most famous works, showing how timeless themes still resonate.
Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood: A modern reimagining of The Tempest, set in a prison theatre program, where themes of power, revenge, and forgiveness take center stage.
A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley: A retelling of King Lear set on a modern-day Iowa farm, focusing on family, betrayal, and the complexities of inheritance.
Shylock Is My Name by Howard Jacobson: A contemporary take on The Merchant of Venice, exploring identity, prejudice, and justice in modern society.
New Boy by Tracy Chevalier: A retelling of Othello set in a 1970s suburban schoolyard, where racial tensions and jealousy play out in a new context.
Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler: A witty, modern romantic comedy that transforms The Taming of the Shrew into a contemporary tale of love and independence.
JOIN THE ASC NO KIDDING BOOK CLUB
There’s nothing like discussing a great book with fellow readers who share your passion for timeless stories. Whether you’re exploring revenge-filled tragedies or laughing along with witty comedies, the ASC No Kidding Book Club offers a space to connect, reflect, and engage with inspiring literature. Ready to join the conversation? Join us on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month at 3 PM at the Staunton Public Library. Follow ASC Education on Goodreads and dive into these powerful works. Join us on Goodreads!
You can check out many of these titles at the Staunton Public Library by asking the Circulation Assistant at the counter. If you need help finding rarer reads, try The Book Dragon Shop in downtown Staunton, and feel free to reach out to our Education Team at education@americanshakespearecenter.com for assistance.
EXPLORE MORE NO KIDDING PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS
In addition to the No Kidding Book Club, the American Shakespeare Center (ASC) offers a variety of adult-only “No Kidding” programs throughout the year, inviting theatre lovers to connect, learn, and perform. These programs offer an immersive experience, allowing you to step into the world of classic theatre on the iconic Blackfriars Playhouse stage.
NO KIDDING DRAMA CLUB
The No Kidding Drama Club is perfect for those eager to get hands-on with classic plays. This club meets once a week over a month, where participants read and rehearse a play with guidance from ASC Education Artists. The experience culminates in a staged reading at the Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, VA. All experience levels are welcome, making it an accessible way to explore acting and engage with classic literature in a supportive community.
NO KIDDING SHAKESPEARE CAMP
If you’re looking for an in-depth theatre experience, join us for the No Kidding Shakespeare Camp — a special weeklong program held each summer. Adult thespians, from beginners to seasoned performers, can dive into an intensive rehearsal process. The camp combines performance training and academic enrichment, providing a low-stakes, collaborative rehearsal experience. At the end of the week, participants present a staged reading on the Blackfriars stage, offering a unique opportunity to bring Shakespeare’s works to life.
These No Kidding programs are a fantastic way to build community, hone your theatre skills, and enjoy unforgettable experiences on stage. Whether you’re new to performing or a long-time theatre fan, ASC’s adult-only programs welcome you to be part of something extraordinary.
If you have any questions about our education program, whether you are 8 or 108, don’t hesitate to contact our Education Team at education@americanshakespearecenter.com. We’re here to make sure you’re fully equipped for these exciting reads.