Vancouver Classical Plays/Novels

### Echoes of Power: Shakespeare's 'Measure for Measure' Meets Modern Scandals
Hosted by: Vancouver Classical Plays and Novels
Date & Time: sunday, August 3, 2025 · 11 AM
Location: Pallet Coffee Roasters - Melville Street
About the Event:
In a world buzzing with scandals, power plays, and calls for justice—from Ep$tein fallout to political hypocrisy and high-stakes lawsuits—let's dive into Shakespeare's timeless takedown of it all! Join us for an electrifying discussion of *Measure for Measure*, where a corrupt deputy abuses his authority in ways that feel ripped from today's headlines.

Agenda:

* Icebreaker – Share your take on a current world scandal!
* Deep dive into the play's juiciest scenes and real-world echoes.
* Fun activity – debate "What would Shakespeare tweet about today's news?"

This isn't your dusty book club—it's lit meets life! Perfect for book lovers, politicos, and anyone tired of scrolling headlines alone.

Suggested Prep: Read *Measure for Measure* (if you want a modern translation of the play in PDF, email : alexfitzgrld@gmail.com)
Questions? Message the host at 604 615 5275
#Shakespeare #VancouverEvents #BookClub #CurrentEvents #MeasureForMeasure

## The Great Tolstoy Mission: Session 2 —

## Hadji Murat

📍 Location: 350 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6B1 (Vancouver central Library)
We are on the 4th floor room 492.
When you leave the elevator turn left and then go to the far right corner

🕰 Time: August 24th @ 11AM
📚 Hosted by: Vancouver Classics plays / novels

Our journey through Tolstoy continues.

After confronting mortality in The Death of Ivan Ilyich, we now turn to one of Tolstoy’s most gripping and underrated works — Hadji Murat, a novella he completed near the end of his life.

Set during the Russian Empire’s brutal expansion into the Caucasus, this tale follows a defiant Chechen war hero caught between two empires. Part political thriller, part philosophical meditation, it offers one of Tolstoy’s most brutal critiques of power, nationalism, and betrayal.

Come ready to discuss:

• What it means to fight for honor in a corrupt system
• Tolstoy’s complex view of Russian imperialism
• Violence and dignity — is moral purity possible in war?
• The powerful symbolism of the thistle in the final scene

This is the final short work before we begin our epic climb through War and Peace. Whether you’re reading Tolstoy for the first time or returning to him with new eyes, this is a session not to miss.

🪻 Reading length: ~90 pages
📩 RSVP to confirm your seat — and message me if you have any questions.

## 🎭 Shakespeare Night:

## Twelfth Night

Vancouver Classical Plays/Novels Meetup

📅 Date: Sunday august 31st
⏰ Time: 11 AM
📍 Location: 350 West Georgia Street · Vancouver, BC

What if your shipwreck left you in a strange new world—where love is tangled, identities are swapped, and absolutely nothing goes as planned? This month, join us for Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, the ultimate romantic comedy of mistaken identities, unrequited crushes, and laugh-out-loud twists.

Why this play?
Twelfth Night is Shakespeare at his wildest—filled with clever wordplay, disguises, and some of his most unforgettable characters. If you’ve ever wanted to see chaos and wit unleashed on stage, this is your night.

What to expect:

• A relaxed discussion about the play, and you can reenact your favourite parts!
• Shakespeare “newbies” always welcome
• Conversation about gender, identity, and why this 400-year-old play still feels fresh
• Plenty of laughs, playful banter, and the kind of mischief only Shakespeare can deliver

How it works:

• Read the play, or parts of it
• Bring a copy of the play
• We’ll take turns reading, pausing to chat about what’s wild, confusing, or just hilarious
• If you prefer, you can just listen and join the discussion—no pressure to perform

Why come?
Because Shakespeare is better together. Whether you’re a seasoned bard or just Shakespeare-curious, you’ll find a warm welcome, lively company, and maybe a new favorite play.

RSVP to grab your spot. New faces, old friends, and anyone who just wants to see what all the fuss is about—come join the fun!

Questions? Message me :)

### 📚 The Great Tolstoy Mission:

### War and Peace – Session 1

📍 Location: 350 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6B1 (Vancouver Central Library)
Room 492, 4th floor (Left from elevator, far right corner)
🕰 Time: September 7th @ 11AM
Hosted by: Vancouver Classics Plays / Novels

After tackling Ivan Ilyich and Hadji Murat, we now begin our climb up the Everest of Russian literature: War and Peace.

To make this epic journey accessible and fun, we’ll read the novel in manageable sections—enough to spark rich discussion but never so much that you’ll feel lost.

Session 1 Reading Assignment:
📖 War and Peace – Book One (Part 1 & 2)

• Pages: ~80–90 pages (most editions)
• We’ll cover the opening salons in Petersburg, the young aristocrats (Pierre, Andrei, Natasha), and the first hints of war.

What to expect:

• Meet the sprawling cast and see how Tolstoy sets up his big questions: fate, history, personal agency, and the search for meaning.
• We’ll talk about which characters intrigue you most, and what surprised or challenged you in the opening.

Bring your copy, your questions, and your first impressions—whether you got through every page or just dipped into the story. Newcomers always welcome!

### 🗂️

### Future Sessions Preview (for group transparency):

• Session 2: Book One, Parts 3–5 (next 80–100 pages)
• Session 3: Book Two, Parts 1–3 (next 80–100 pages)
• …and so on, usually ~80–100 pages per meetup, adjusting for group pace.

📩 RSVP to confirm your seat. Message me with any questions or to get a summary if you’re pressed for time.

Let’s see how far we can climb—one chapter at a time!