Shakespeare's Rome
June 6-11, 2021
Lander, WY

The history of Ancient Rome contains two sharp inflection points, historical events that changed everything.

Rome began as a monarchy, but in 509 BC a noblewoman was raped by the king’s son and her husband, father, and other noblemen banished the king and banned monarchy forever. The Roman Republic began. William Shakespeare wrote his play “Coriolanus” about the people and events in the wake of this monumental change.

The Roman Republic lasted nearly 500 years until the days of Julius Caesar, Octavius, and Mark Anthony. After a protracted civil war, the features of republican rule were transformed into mere placeholders giving way to the rule of the emperor and the people were manipulated by flatterers rather than by statesmen. Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” and “Antony and Cleopatra” tell the tale of this second great turn in Rome’s history.

As great a loss as is the passing of the Roman Republic—the only long-lasting republic other than America—her conquests and empire made Europe. Rome, the culture that passes on the legacy of both Athens and Jerusalem and Christianity, gave us the West.

Led by Wyoming Catholic College faculty, the 2021 Wyoming School of Catholic Thought will study Shakespeare’s Rome. Using Shakespeare’s Roman plays as primary texts we will explore not only the politics and culture of Ancient Rome, but of Shakespeare’s own era and of our own.

What can we learn about: Rome and Shakespeare’s England? Rome and America? Rome and Christianity? Honor, eros, and that most Roman of virtues, piety? How can these plays inform our lives as individuals, as citizens, and as Catholic Christians?

In addition, of course, we will together enjoy the immortal bard’s rich language, witty dialogue, and remarkable skills as a dramatist.

In preparation for the school, participants will receive reading packets to prepare for the week. At the school, each day’s activities will include lectures, seminars, and panel discussions based on the readings. Afternoons are set aside to enjoy the beauty of the nearby Wind River Mountains. Choose from hiking, fly fishing, horseback riding, or exploring the sights in Lander. Daily meals allow time for ongoing conversations. After dinner, participants will enjoy relevant films or leisurely reflections on the day’s conversations. A chaplain will be available during the week offering daily Mass, spiritual direction, and confession. Meals, classes, and discussions will be held on the Wyoming Catholic College campus on Main Street in Lander with accommodations in local hotels or college dormitories.

For registration information, please fill out the form below
or contact Dr. James Tonkowich | (307) 335-4428 | james.tonkowich@wyomingcatholic.edu
$750 per person | Scholarships available | Meals and reading materials provided (accommodations extra)

Additional Information

The program fee is $750 per person with some scholarships available. This includes the program, materials, all meals, and activities. Accommodations are in addition to the program fee. We ask that you send a refundable $200 per person deposit to reserve space.

Wyoming Catholic College has arranged accommodations at the following hotels for Sunday, June 6 to Friday, June 11. When booking, mention that you are with Wyoming Catholic College.

  • The Inn at Lander (0.7 miles from Wyoming Catholic)
    Room rate per night—Single: $79.99, Double: $89.99
    (307) 332-2847
  • Holiday Inn Express (0.8 miles from Wyoming Catholic)
    Room rate per night—$109.00
    (307) 332-4005
  • Outlaw Cabins (5.3 miles from Wyoming Catholic)
    2 Cabins (each sleeps 4)
    Cabin rate per night—$118.75
    (307) 332-9655
  • WCC dorms: Two-bedroom apartments shared by two guests—$20/night.
    Contact the college for reservations.
  • Sleeping Bear RV Park & Campground (1.0 miles from the Augur Building)
    Rates vary based on RV size and services desired.
    (307) 332-5159

The nearest airport to Lander is Riverton Regional Airport. Flights to and from Denver are available with United Airlines (United Express). The Wyoming School will offer shuttle service from and to Riverton. Casper, Rock Springs, Jackson, Denver, and Salt Lake City are other options.

  • From Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport (Rock Springs)—125 miles, 2:00 hours
    From Natrona County International Airport (Casper)—138 miles, 2:15 hours
    From Jackson Hole Airport—152 miles, 3:00 hours
    From Salt Lake City International Airport—290 miles, 4:30 hours
    From Denver International Airport—357 miles, 5:30 hours

If you’re debating about coming all the way to Lander for a five-day program, you could make the Wyoming School of Catholic Thought the beginning or the end of a Wyoming vacation. Lander is about three hours from both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Our own Wind River Mountains attract visitors from around the world and some of the best trout fishing in the country is just up the road. Check travelwyoming.com for more ideas.