100 episodes
The State of Shakespeare The State of Shakespeare
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- Arts
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5.0 • 16 Ratings
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The State of Shakespeare is a virtual masterclass featuring in-depth interviews with contemporary Shakespearean actors, directors and teachers. We focus on the complex relationship of words and performance, and how individual artists develop unique and often contrasting approaches to the text. We aim to inspire and educate theatre makers, students and educators to discover new ways of bringing Shakespeare to life. Hosted by Gerritt VanderMeer and Jim Elliott.
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Jeffrey Wilson
Henry VI, Part 3: Act 3, Scene 2GloucesterAugust 25, 2021
Why Shakespeare? Jeffrey Wilson, the author of the book Shakespeare and Trump, explores this question in depth, centering on the character of Richard III. Why is evil so exciting and good so boring? Is deformity a sign of his evil or is the deformity and social stigma the cause of it? We explore the textual, ethical, interpretive problems that Shakespeare presents in the modern age.
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Click here for a scanned version of the text. -
Patrick Harvey
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Act 3, Scene 1BottomJuly 18, 2021
Live theatre is back! Our guest, Patrick Harvey, is a member of the inaugural cast of the Connecticut Shakespeare Festival. He’s playing Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Hartford’s Playhouse on Park. In this interview, Patrick shares why he especially loves playing characters who speak in prose – hint: it’s not all about the verse. -
Kamilah Long
Titus Andronicus: Act 1, Scene 4TamoraJune 28, 2021
Kamilah Long, the Managing Director of Play On Shakespeare, is a force of nature. Growing up in Alabama, she discovered Shakespeare and has never looked back. Kamilah has big plans for Play On Shakespeare and performs Tamora from Titus Andronicus. If you have doubts about the Play On Project, Kamilah goes a long way to dispelling them.
Click here to follow along with the text.
Click here for a First Folio Version of the text.
Click here for a Scanned Version of the text. -
Michael Witmore
Twelfth Night: Act 5, Scene 1ViolaMay 30, 2021
The Folger Shakespeare Library stands in a prominent place in our nation’s capital. Since its founding, the building, its architecture, contents, and programming have been thoughtfully curated with this in mind. Dr. Michael Witmore, Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library, reveals how Shakespeare’s works influenced our nation’s founders and helped to shape a philosophy of government and the very structure of our constitution. We also learn how the Folger Library continues to nurture the thought leaders of today and is creating astonishing digital resources for the future.
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Click here for a Scanned Version of the text. -
Barry Edelstein
Who better to ask what Shakespeare can teach us about the turbulent times we are living in than Barry Edelstein - the Artistic Director of the Old Globe Theater in San Diego and one of the foremost producers and directors of Shakespeare working today?
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Patrick Page
Jim and Gerritt celebrate ten years of The State of Shakespeare. We listen to some of our most memorable guests from the early days of the podcast and share our favorite moments from the past decade.
Customer Reviews
Fantastic interview!
Barry Edelstein’s interview is a must listen if you have any interest in the state of Theatre as a result of Covid.
Best Shakespeare Podcast our there
I’ve been listening to this podcast since September when it was introduced to me. Not only is it informative, it’s honest and authentic. Jim Elliott and Gerritt VanderMeer allow the audience access to so many Shakespeare scholars and working Shakespearean actors with years and years of experience. I am grateful for Them State of Shakespeare’. It’s my favorite podcast on The Bard!
Love it!
Great stuff! Love the discussions and insight. Keep it up. And thanks!