Discussion Questions provided by Director of Education David Daniel
1. Have you ever made a mistake because you were certain you were right only to realize later how wrong you were? How did that change you?
2. When Hermione stood silently as she was accused, how did you feel watching her? Have you ever had to stay silent in a moment when you wanted to speak?
3. Perdita was raised far from where she “belonged.” Have you ever felt like you lived in two worlds, or that people expected you to be someone you’re not?
4. The play explores jealousy, forgiveness, and time. Which of those themes hit you the hardest and why?
5. What does the play say about second chances? Do you think everyone deserves one?
6. Do you think love can survive betrayal or loss as it does (or doesn’t) in the play? What has life taught you about that?
7. What moment in the production visually or emotionally stopped you in your tracks and why?
8. How did the actor’s physical choices (stillness, movement, gesture) help you feel the character’s emotional state, even before they spoke?
9. Was there a costume, set piece, sound, or staging decision that changed the way you understood a character or moment?
10. Leontes’ jealousy destroys nearly everything he loves. Did you feel sympathy for him by the end or not? Why?
11. Which character in the play felt most familiar to you- someone who reminded you of yourself or someone you know?
12. If you could step into the story and give one character advice, who would it be, and what would you say?
Credits:
Photos by Michael Brosilow, 2025.