In William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Brutus ominously conveys to Caeser, “A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March.” But this March Deschutes Public Library gives the community good reason to look forward not only to the Ides of March, but to the entire month as we welcome a slate of scholars, actors and enthusiasts for “Know Shakespeare.”

The Bard takes center stage at libraries throughout the district during programs that explore Shakespeare’s life and times, as well as his work and legacy. All programs are free and open to the public with the exception of Stephen Greenblatt’s presentation on March 7.

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Who Are Shakespeare’s Women?
Amy Greenstadt, professor of English at Portland State University, takes a closer look at Shakespeare’s most memorable women and how they challenged gender stereotypes of Elizabethan England. Free and open to the public.

Saturday, March 2, 3:00 p.m.
East Bend Public Library

Sunday, March 3, 2:00 p.m.
Sisters Public Library


Elizabethan Fast Food
The humble potpie was once the height of culinary style. During the Elizabethan era, chefs crafted these savory pastries for the royal households of France and England. But hand-held pies were popular among street vendors who could sell them as portable meals. Learn to make your own modern version with Ahja King. Free; limited to 20 participants; registration required. Register at the links below.

Sunday, March 3, 2:00 p.m.
La Pine Public Library

Wednesday, March 6, 6:00 p.m.
East Bend Public Library


Shakespeare on the Screen
Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, returns home to find his father murdered and his mother remarrying the murderer, his uncle. Screen Hamlet (1996), starring and directed by Kenneth Branagh. Free and open to the public.

Tuesday, March 5, 6:00 p.m.
Tin Pan Theater, Bend
A young Shakespeare, out of ideas and short of cash, meets his ideal woman and is inspired to write one of his most famous plays in the 1999 Academy Award winning film, Shakespeare in Love. Free and open to the public.

Tuesday, March 19, 6:00 p.m.
Tin Pan Theater, Bend
Tin Pan Theater: 869 NW Tin Pan Alley, Bend


The Deschutes Public Library Foundation Presents
Author! Author!: An Evening with Stephen Greenblatt
Pulitzer Prize-winning literary critic, theorist and Shakespearean scholar Stephen Greenblatt comes to Bend as part of the Deschutes Public Library Foundation’s Author! Author! series.

Thursday, March 7, 7:00 p.m.
Bend High Auditorium
This is a ticketed event. Tickets are available at www.bendticket.com


Second Sunday: Shakespeare’s Sonnets
First published in 1609, Shakespeare's sonnets deal with themes such as the passage of time, love, beauty and mortality. Join actor and Shakespeare aficionado Alastair Morley Jacques for a performance worthy of The Bard of Avon. Free and open to the public.

Sunday, March 10, 2:00 p.m.
Downtown Bend Public Library


Becoming Shakespeare
David McCandless, a professor of Shakespeare studies at Southern Oregon University, introduces us to Shakespeare and shares some fascinating and surprising information about the greatest playwright of all time. Free and open to the public.

Saturday, March 16, 2:00 p.m.
Sunriver Area Public Library

Sunday, March 17, 1:00 p.m.
Downtown Bend Public Library


Dressing Shakespeare: From Page to Stage
Robert Brewer-Wallin, who has designed costumes for theatre, film and dance productions for over 15 years, explores the creative and collaborative aspects of design, where the inspiration comes from, and the challenges of working with stories that have been told for over 400 years. Free and open to the public.

Saturday, March 23, 1:00 p.m.
Downtown Bend Public Library



For more information about these or other library programs, please visit the library website at www.deschuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats, seating or auxiliary aides) should contact Tina at 541-312-1034.