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A story of this kind depends on speed, on a plot that winds itself as tight as a top, spins hard on its own momentum and then comes to a sudden finish. The Comedy of Errors is really a farce rather than a comedy, and an excellent one of its kind.

Marchette Chute, Stories from Shakespeare, 1976

What ensues when not one but two sets of identical twins woo, wed, lend and borrow as the hourglass of a father’s life runs out? Will they straighten themselves out in time?

A chance to act out this fun play will be one of the optional evening activities at the 2023 Retreat.

We are happy to share that Don Rhymer will be joining us again this year. His session – Jesus’ Bible Lessons: The Savior’s Discussion with Others Over the Word – will happen during Session F in place of A Living Atmosphere.

Jesus’ Bible Lessons

The Savior’s Discussion with Others Over the Word

Workshop Presented by Don Rhymer

Toward the end of A Philosophy of Education, Miss Mason writes of Bible Lessons, “It is only by trying the method oneself on such an incident, for example, as the visit of Nicodemus or the talk with the woman of Samaria, that we realize the wonderful clearness with which each incident is brought out, the fullness of meaning with which every phrase is invested by such personal effort” (VI, 272-273). This talk will focus on these two incidents, looking specifically at Jesus’ “little talk” or “Discussion” in each Bible Lesson. Though not the “Word” himself, we can still, by the Spirit, emulate Christ’s use of Scripture and questions. Such work should not only aid our child’s apprehension of the Bible text in the short term, but Lord-willing facilitate a potential greater recognition moment in the long term.

The 2023 CMER lodging is almost full. We have no more private lodging, limited lodging for married couples, and 12 spots left in 3, 4, or 5-man rooms. We have added links to local hotels on the Information and Policies page.

If the lodging you would like is not available, we encourage you to still register. We receive cancellations each year, and we will work through the waiting list in the order registrations are received.

This past February, we tried something new. For an optional evening activity, we acted out King Lear. No rehearsals or costumes; super simple props.

With plenty of participants, each scene had its own cast. It was enjoyable to see how the characters varied from scene to scene, nuanced by the personality and interpretation of their actors.

After a very brief introduction to the play, we passed out scripts. Each group assembled and took just a few minutes to discuss their scene and select props.  

For scripts, we used Nick Newlin’s 30-Minute Shakespeare. Mr. Newlin has prepared scripts with students in mind. As the title suggests, the plays are abridged but still retain the original language and flavor. He also provides stage directions and suggested props for a truly pick-up-and-go experience.

It was great fun, as you can see from this year’s comments! Come back soon as we reveal the selection for 2023.

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LOVED this. Haven’t had this much fun in a long time.

I didn’t realize Shakespeare can be even more fun to act out than to watch. Memorable evening.

Awesome

I hope we do this again!

This was fun and I loved seeing everyone’s different personalities.

So much fun!  Please do this again!  I told my kids all about it and now we may do this to wrap up our own Shakespeare reading each term.

I LOVED the Shakespeare evening. I was in Drama in High School and it reminded me of how fun acting can be. I will need to do this with my children. The 30 minute Shakespeare idea is a great way to celebrate the end of a play.

Good times!

Can we do this every year?

So much fun and laughter! It reminded me to keep props  simple when teaching –thank you! Would love to do this again!