The Play's the Thing

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.

Finally, Richard gets the throne! Now, instead of being the hunter, he is the hunted. Sidebar: How women in mourning so often end civil conflicts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No, please, not Hastings. (Yes, Hastings.) No, not the kids! (Yes, even the sons of Edward VI.) Even while slaughtering friends and children, Richard can still appear as pious as a saint. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard III schemes and dreams, taking big steps toward claiming the throne. The big news: Warring factions form a "united league” that is interrupted by Clarence’s murder as as the plot and the blood thicken. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The bloodiest villain. The most famous opening monologue. The most demanding role. Richard III plans to "set the murderous Machiavelli to school!" But he won't get away with it. Or will he? Join Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh for a brilliant opening act. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it a tragedy, a comedy, a travelogue, a romance? Whatever the genre, it's probably Shakespeare's least-known play. Join Sophia Maeda, Noah Perrin, and Tim McIntosh as they attempt to decipher the mystery of Pericles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Four bros attempt to be abstinent scholars. No women. Lots of fasting. Heaps of books. What could possibly go wrong? Almost everything. Thankfully, four women save the bros from themselves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.