The Play's the Thing

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.

A rich young man named Roderigo rages in anger at Iago when he learns that the woman he’s been pining for (and paying Iago to help him win), Desdemona, has just married Othello, a General who Iago reluctantly serves. Iago tells Roderigo that he hates Othello for promoting Michael Cassio to the rank of Lieutenant over him. Together, they go to the house of Desdemona’s father, Brabantio, to tell him that his daughter has been stolen by Othello. Not wanting his hatred of Othello to be known, Iago steals away before Brabantio sees him. Later, as Iago sits with Othello at his lodgings, Michael Cassio arrives with a message from the Duke informing Othello that he’s needed to help fend off an imminent attack by the Turkish fleet. Brabantio arrives at the Duke’s palace at the same time as Othello and publicly accuses him of stealing his daughter. Othello defends himself by speaking honestly of how he won Desdemona’s affection with tales of his adventures. Desdemona enters to defend her choice in marriage and tells her father before the Duke that her allegiance is to Othello. The Duke is sympathetic to the couple and agrees to consider Desdemona’s request that she be allowed to accompany Othello on his voyage to defend Cyprus against the Turks. The Play On Podcast series, “OTHELLO”, was written by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE and translated into modern English verse by MFONISO UDOFIA. “OTHELLO” is produced by NEXT CHAPTER PODCASTS and is made possible by the generous support of THE HITZ FOUNDATION. Go to PlayOnShakespeare.org to learn more. Subscribe to Play On Premium on Apollo Plus for ad-free episodes and join our Patreon for exclusive merchandise, commercial-free early releases and bonus content videos. And remember: “BEWARE OF JEALOUSY”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wealthy and popular, Timon of Athens helps friends, gives presents, and holds a feast. But when he runs out of money, none of his friends help. He runs away to a cave, curses humanity, finds gold, funds the destruction of Athens, and dies. Yup. That's the plot. Zoloft anyone? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when every nobleman in the kingdom wants the throne except the man who’s on the throne? The Henry VI trilogy shows us. Buckle up for battles, a cameo by Joan of Arc, more battles, and a wife raising an army against her husband, and a rosey civil war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before the battle, the ghosts. All of Richard's victims come to haunt him. Will he look back on his life and repent? And, at the end, how much will he give for a horse? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.