What are Shakespeare Clubs?

EARLY HISTORY OF SHAKESPEARE CLUBS

Not much has been written about the Shakespeare Club movement in the United States, but here’s a little of what is known. As early as the 1840’s small circles or societies began to spring up with the purpose of reading and discussing Shakespeare. This was due in part to the need to share texts of the plays because books were expensive and libraries were few and far between, but mostly the clubs furnished a place for intellectual growth and “socializing with a purpose.”
The founding of Shakespeare Clubs reached its peak between about 1880 and 1910. The clubs became popular in both small towns and large cities, becoming what would now be called a “fad.” Many of these clubs were for women only; women in the Victorian era often felt it was indecent to read Shakespeare in mixed company. Women were beginning to have some opportunities for higher education by the 1880’s—there were women’s colleges for those who could afford them; however opportunities for formal education ended with marriage. The clubs were a valuable outlet for women wanting to continue studying and learning. Men, too, benefited from forums where they could engage in discussions and share information and opinions. Some men dared to buck the sentiment that co-ed Shakespeare clubs were made up of “women of both sexes,” and boldly joined clubs, like our Warren club, which included equal numbers of men and women members. To avoid affronting the ladies' delicate sensibilities, the clubs often read from Bowdlerized versions of the plays such as those edited by William J. Rolfe.

Members put on plays or just read them aloud, concentrating on rhetorical skills, discussing the meaning of words and phrases, and clarifying historical references. Some clubs widened their scope to other writers and other topics. A few clubs became activists for worthy causes in their communities and nearly all clubs supported their public libraries.
Many clubs lasted only a few years, other became more entrenched, but, with the passage of time, most of the Shakespeare Clubs slowly dwindled in membership and eventually disbanded. A few stalwart groups remain; some of these are barely recognizable in their current form, others have maintained their original purposes and formats to an amazing degree. All are proud of their traditions, are held in high regard in their communities, and have given pleasure and fulfillment to generations of members.

With the decline in the number of Shakespeare Clubs, most of us have at one time or another felt our club must certainly be the Oldest Surviving Club. The Warren Shakespeare Club was sure of this when we celebrated our centennial in 1984, but a recent quick search on the internet showed that this is not true. Our moment of disillusionment has been replaced by the joy of finding out about other clubs. It is surprising and quite wonderful to find other Shakespeareans merrily meeting during the dreary winter months. Perhaps by sharing with each other we can help insure many more years of education, community service, friendship—and fun.
In the meantime, The Warren Shakespeare Club is content with our current distinction: We claim to be the oldest Shakespeare club with a founding member whose husband was named Rasselas—that distinction should hold!