The Play's the Thing
CiRCE Podcast Network
The Play's the Thing is the ultimate podcast resource for lovers of Shakespeare. Dedicating six episodes to each play (one per act, plus a Q&A episode), this podcast explores the themes, scenes, characters, and lines that make Shakespeare so memorable. In the end, we will cover every play The Bard wrote, thus permitting an ongoing contemplation and celebration of the most important writer of all time. Join us.The Play’s the Thing is presented by The CiRCE Podcast Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 28, 2019 • 1h 7min
Othello: Act II
Tim and Sarah-Jane are back (sans David this week) and they're chatting about the drama of Othello Act II. Conversation explores the way Desdemona's character is revealed, the nature of Iago's conniving, the value of performance in helping students understand this play, Shakespeare's attentiveness to his audiences, and much more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 20, 2019 • 1h 3min
Othello: Act I
The Play's the Thing is back! In this episode David, Tim, and special guest Sarah-Jane Bentley, a teacher in England and a CiRCE friend, dive into Shakespeare's tragedy, Othello. They chat about Othello's way with language, Iago's pure evil, the context and heritage of the play, and much more.Remember: subscribe, rate, review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 7, 2019 • 50min
Macbeth: Q&A
In which David, Tim, and Heidi answer listener questions about Macbeth. Remember: Subscribe, rate, review. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 25, 2019 • 1h 20min
Macbeth: Act V
Welcome to the conclusion of this series on Macbeth. In this conversation David, Heidi, and Tim explore the madness of the play's primary characters, discuss the question of evil, and contemplate the collision of the natural and the supernatural in the play. Remember: subscribe, rate, review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 18, 2019 • 1h 13min
Macbeth: Act IV
Topics of conversation include the return of the witches and the way the witch scenes in Act I.I and Act IV.I mirror each other, what the play would be without the witches, the question of whether this is a "Christian play," the terrible problem of fate, and much more. Remember: subscribe, rate, review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 30, 2019 • 1h 19min
Macbeth: Act III
Welcome back to this ongoing discussion of Shakespeare's tragedy, Macbeth. Topics of conversation include act III turning points, the presence fo supernatural forces, and the downward trajectory of the characters and action of the play. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 18, 2019 • 1h 13min
Macbeth: Act II
Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they dive ever-deeper into the Macbeth family treachery. Conversation touches on Macbeth's mental state, Shakespeare's formal choices in Macbeth's monologues, the themes of repentance and time in the play, and much more. Remember: subscribe, rate, review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 11, 2019 • 1h 27min
Macbeth: Act I
Welcome back to The Play's the Thing, where we discuss Shakespeare's canon, one act at a time. In this episode, David, Tim, and Heidi dive into one of the great tragedies, Macbeth. Topics of conversation include the play's reputation, the suspicions surrounding performance of the play, the weird sisters and their role, Macbeth's response to them, Lady Macbeth's desire to be evil, and much more. Remember: subscribe, rate, review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 12, 2019 • 1h 12min
Julius Caesar: Act V
This episode is brought to you The Classic Learning Test - a fantastic alternative to the ACT and SAT. Learn more at cltexam.com. Welcome back to The Play's the Thing, where we're working through Shakespeare one act at a time. Today Heidi, Brian, and Matt discuss Act V of Julius Caesar, focusing on the nature of tragedy, Shakespearean chiastic structures, and whether Brutus died a hero.Remember: Subscribe, rate, review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 5, 2019 • 1h 5min
Julius Caesar: Act IV
Welcome back to The Play's the Thing, where Heidi, Matt, and Brian discussing Julius Caesar. This episode is all about act IV and topics of conversation include the shifting dynamics in the aftermath of Caesar's death + suicide, failed rhetoric, and the tension between conspirators. Remember: subscribe, rate, review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
