Hamlet: The Enigmatic Thinking Man’s Great Speeches

“To be or not to be!” Join Eric Kimble and Patricia Finlay in this one-session course on a journey into the complicated humanity of “Hamlet” while exploring the play’s enduring universal themes.  We’ll unpack Hamlet’s “To be or not to be” speech, explore the moral dilemmas he faces and the paralysis he suffers when confronted with a revenge plot he feels unfit to carry out.  The session will examine how Hamlet’s thoughts are beautifully revealed in the genius of Shakespeare’s masterful verse, captivating rhythm, and clever wordplay. We’ll also see and hear this great speech through video clips of renowned actors such as Branagh, Olivier, and Tennant, and discover why “Hamlet” remains Shakespeare’s most revered play by audiences and actors through the ages.

Patsy Finlay is a theater professional, teacher and voice over artist. Patsy taught for 21 years as senior artist in residence in the department of theater and dance at Union College in Schenectady, New York, as a performance studies expert and director in the college theatre season. For 12 years, she was also a member of the Acting Company with Saratoga Shakespeare, a professional outdoor summer festival in upstate New York, appearing in numerous roles over the years and teaching classes as well as coordinating professional workshops for the intern company. In Patsy’s work as a professional director or voice coach, she has been associated with professional companies in Albany and Boston. Currently, Patsy is an active walking tour guide for the Newport Historical Society.

Eric Kimble is a former business executive who, mid-career, answered a call from the “Great Recruiter in the Sky” to return to his high school alma mater to teach English literature and coach baseball. Known for creating engaging seminars with relevant lessons, Eric’s business and teaching background allows him to provide a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of literature and life. Eric spent most of his teaching career at St. John’s Prep in Danvers, Massachusetts; he most recently retired from teaching freshmen, sophomore and senior English Literature at Mount St. Charles Academy in Woonsocket.  He holds an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and a B.A. in English literature from Brown University. Eric and his wife Nancy recently moved to Rhode Island to be closer to their three grown daughters and enjoy the beauty of the Ocean State.