The Play's the Thing

It's complicated, okay. In Act 4, the Duke (disguised as the Friar) is a puppet master, pulling strings, saving prisoners, ending lives. He also forms a secret plot with Angelo's jilted fiancé. See, it's complicated. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Measure for Measure, Act 3, Isabella breaks the news to her brother: He will be executed by Angelo. The only alternative is unthinkable to Isabella. But not to her brother.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The nun, Isabella, asks Angelo to have mercy on her condemned brother. But Angelo is unrelenting. —Unless Isabella is willing to offer something in return. One of the best acts in Shakespeare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Angelo is appointed governor, he cleans up Venice, starting with a pregnant couple. Death to the lewd! Except, Angelo sets himself a trap. One of Shakespeare’s hidden gems.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shakespeare's most confusing play? Twins, separated after a shipwreck, both named Antipholus. Their servants, also separated by shipwreck, both named Dromio. End of the pod: a one-minute Hallmark reel by Pharbeaux. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A sequel to Julius Caesar, starring two of the most immature lovers of all time. Or maybe they're mature shape-shifters? Sarah-Jane Bentley makes her case.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Peter Adamson, known for 'The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps,' discusses the pressing philosophical question of Shakespeare's time. They delve into Shakespearean villains, highlighting Yago, Richard III, and Claudius. The conversation explores rhetoric, character complexity, and actor performances in London.

Renowned playwright William Shakespeare, known for inventing over 1,700 words, explores his education and word creation techniques. The podcast delves into Shakespeare's influence on the English language, his creativity through ancient classics, and interactive word coining exercises. Additionally, the hosts introduce writing exercises inspired by Shakespeare's iambic pentameter and highlight sponsors Warby Parker and By Heart.

Shakespeare obsessed over kings and queens and how they ruled. What can we learn from bad kings (like Richard III) and good kings (like Henry V)? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A warning: Don't listen with kids in the car. Shakespeare's bloodiest play includes 14 killings, 6 severed limbs, a rape, a live burial, a case of insanity, and an act of cannibalism. Um, Happy Halloween? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.