Kevin Curran’s presentation on famous murders in Shakespeare is November 1, at 7:00 PM.

One episode he will focus on is Macbeth’s tortured waffling before the murder of Duncan. You can almost hear the groundlings chanting, “Do it! Do it!.”

Here are two versions of the famous monologue. The first is performed by a very young, pre-Gandalf Ian McKellen I love him rolling up his sleeve at the end.

This scene of Jon Finch struggling to act with some really dopey special effects might remind you why the only thing you remember about Roman Polanski’s Macbeth are the nude scenes.

WordSpace salons are free for WordSpace members, $10 for non-members. Since events are in private homes, we ask that you RSVP at 214-838-3554. You will receive the address with your confirmation.

For more on this and all upcoming WordSpace events, visit the WordSpace website

A lot of people get bumped off in Shakespeare’s plays. Kings, queens, children, innocent wives — no one is safe. They are murdered in their beds, in the Roman forum, in forests, and back alleys. (I hope I didn’t make that one up about the back alleys.)

In Killer Shakespeare, Kevin Curran, associate professor of English at the University of North Texas, will examine three famous, bloody incidents in Shakespeare to explore how the bard used murder to “think through other, larger topics.” The incidents include the exuberant bloodbath that concludes Hamlet, the assassination scene from Julius Caesar, and Macbeth’s moment of conscience before the killing of Duncan.

Follow those links above to read up before the event, and mark your calendar for November 1 at 7:00pm. Since salons are held in private homes, we do not publish the address, but ask that your RSVP at  214-838-3554.

Salons are free to WordSpace members and $10 for non members. (Join now, it pays in the long run. Visit our website for membership information.