What Others Say: Testimonials

Below are a few testimonials of people who enjoyed The Understanders discussion of The Merchant of Venice, a 12-week exploration.

Studying The Merchant of Venice with Robin and Amy was like unwrapping a many-layered, never-ending present every week! When I read Shakespeare by myself. I catch some of the subtle meanings, but this class took me much, much deeper. And we all felt that way together, which was so much fun!
Hope Ostheimer

Robin Williams is a breath of fresh air in discussing Shakespeare and Amy Meilander is a human footnote as nothing is too obscure for her investigative skills. This combination plus the interest and discussion generated by Robin makes a perfect venue for neophytes or long-standing Shakespeare lovers.
Mary Denison (Eldorado Shakespeare Reading Group)

Whenever Amy and Robin examine a play, their pleasure in the study is contagious — reading lines transforms into an inquiry of every nuance, device, and correspondence. Dimensions of the play unfold effortlessly. Nothing could be more fun.
Barbara Riley (author and editor)

I never realized how many levels and how much meaning can be in each
level of a Shakespeare play until I participated in the in-depth reading
of The Merchant of Venice. If I had ever had any classes in college
approaching the depth of Robin and Amy’s led discussions, I might have
rethought my decision to major in math. The discussions have been
incredibly rich and insightful, and the book, specially bound for the
class, is beautiful as well. I’m bursting with enthusiasm.
Jean Cheek

Hello, My name is John. I am a recovering English major. I have been a Shakespeareholic since my teens. Nothing, even my secret hidden readings, my furtive attendance in classes at St. Johns, renting Shakespeare tapes and DVDs under cover of darkness from the Video Library reinforced my addiction as thoroughly as attending the intense line-by-line reading of The Merchant of Venice with Robin Williams and Amy Meilander. Under their guidance I have now surrendered to my passion. King Lear, here I come.
John Cheek