PLAY PODCASTS
The Play's the Thing

The Play's the Thing

202 episodes — Page 2 of 5

Yearbook!

Audio yearbook podcast. Since we have podcasted all of Shakespeare's plans(!!!) I asked my guests to come on and mention their favorite moments from being on the show. Also: An announcement about the future!Emily MaedaA Winter's Tale, Act V: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plays-the-thing/id1426679990?i=1000598309165Sarah-Jane BentleyDid Shakespeare Write Shakespeare's Plays: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plays-the-thing/id1426679990?i=1000601514978David KernNora Ankrom and Matthew BiancoThe Taming of the Shrew, Act I: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plays-the-thing/id1426679990?i=1000536529664Favorite Moment at 47:44Tom PopeTitus Andronicus: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/titus-andronicus/id1426679990?i=1000632809960Content Disclaimer at 7:40Favorites Lines at 2:08 or 17:32 (read by Tim) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 11, 202419 min

The Life and Death of King John

King John was remembered, in history, for two things. Do you know what they were? In Shakespeare's play, he's remembered for being a cad, a villain, a rogue. This show includes a reunion with the crew that started the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 26, 20241h 6m

The Merry Wives of Windsor

Imagine the biggest comedic star of Shakespeare's stage, taken from battle, and dropped into a love triangle. Huzzah! Tim and Sarah-Jane Bentley celebrate the return of Falstaff. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 19, 202453 min

Teaching Shakespeare

Teaching Shakespeare: Why do so many students hate Shakespeare? Probably because the way his plays are taught. Let's get out of our desks and onto a stage! Tim talks to two guests about why performing is the key to understanding and loving Shakespeare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 30, 202444 min

Measure for Measure: Act V

I like to call this act "duke ex machina." The Duke returns, ready to solve everyone's problems. Plus, a special guest asks the question, "Did Shakespeare care about his characters?" Plus, after the podcast, Gaelyn and Tim keep talking at home and Gaelyn forms a theory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 9, 20241h 3m

Measure for Measure: Act IV

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.

Feb 2, 202442 min

Measure for Measure: Act III

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.

Jan 19, 202441 min

Measure for Measure: Act II

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.

Jan 12, 202436 min

Measure for Measure: Act I

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.

Dec 29, 202340 min

The Comedy of Errors

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.

Dec 8, 202355 min

Antony and Cleopatra

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.

Dec 1, 20231h 0m

Philosophy and Shakespeare with Dr. Peter Adamson

We're joined by Dr. Peter Adamson who hosts the podcast, "The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps." Discussed: What was the most pressing philosophical question of Shakespeare’s day? Plus, we pick our favorite Shakespearean villains!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 18, 20231h 1m

How to Become a Word-Coining Genius

William Shakespeare created over 1,700 words. This talk explores how his education helped him invent new words and will give volunteers an opportunity to construct new words. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 10, 20231h 2m

Shakespeare on Leadership

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.

Nov 3, 202339 min

Titus Andronicus

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.

Oct 27, 202353 min

Show Preview: Othello - Episode 1 - Marks Set Against Me

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.

Oct 20, 202337 min

Timon of Athens

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.

Oct 13, 202340 min

Henry VI: Parts 1, 2, 3

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.

Oct 6, 20231h 1m

Richard III: Act V

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.

Sep 29, 202356 min

Richard III: Act IV

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.

Sep 22, 202346 min

Richard III: Act III

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.

Sep 15, 202346 min

Richard III: Act II

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.

Aug 29, 202354 min

Richard III: Act I

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.

Aug 12, 202354 min

Pericles!

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.

Jul 25, 202355 min

Love's Labours Lost

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.

Jun 27, 202356 min

Dr. Christopher Perrin Joins the Show, Part 2

Join Tim as he continues his Shakespeare-themed conversation with Dr. Christopher Perrin of Classical Academic Press. They tell classical jokes, wonder why people don't like Shakespeare, and liken classical education to cold swim in a strong river. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 26, 20231h 41m

Dr. Christopher Perrin Joins the Show to Discuss Teaching Shakespeare, Part 1

Join Tim in the first part of a conversation with Dr. Chris Perrin about how to teach Shakespeare, about the neglected virtue of prudence, and about the promise of classical education. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 19, 20231h 16m

A Midsummer Night's Dream: Act V

In this last act, Shakespeare gives lessons on how NOT to write a play and answers the question: What motivates more: Facts or imagination? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 13, 202339 min

A Midsummer Night's Dream: Act IV

Act IV is the "hangover act." The regret act. The foggy act. So join the crew as they dig into the unsettling (but humorous) nature of these climactic scenes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 31, 202334 min

A Midsummer Night's Dream: Act III

Which Midsummer Night's character would you be and why? How the Christianizing of England might have shaped Oberon and Titania into something different from the Greek gods.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 24, 202348 min

A Midsummer Night's Dream: Act II

Join Tim and the crew as they dig deeper into Midsummer! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 18, 202343 min

A Midsummer Night's Dream: Act I

Join Tim, Heidi, and the Andrews as they dig into Act I of one of Shakespeare's most beloved plays: A Midsummer Night's Dream! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 10, 202351 min

Did Shakespeare Write Shakespeare's Plays

For years, a handful of cranks have asserted that William Shakespeare didn't write Shakespeare's plays. Someone else (Edward de Vere, Francis Bacon?) wrote Shakespeare's plays, they claim. Impossible, right?! Tim and Sarah Jane were skeptical—until now.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 24, 202332 min

The Troilus and Cressida Episode

Imagine the Beatles covering an Elvis album. Here, Shakespeare covers Homer. Should be amazing! —Except, it’s not. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 17, 20231h 7m

The Two Gentlemen of Verona

One of Shakespeare’s earliest plays includes all of his favorite tricks: Love at first sight, friends-as-rivals, and happily ever after. Featuring special guests Ian and Emily Andrews! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 11, 20231h 12m

A Winter's Tale: Q&A

It's time to answer your questions about A Winter's Tale! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 3, 20231h 2m

A Winter's Tale: Act V

The scars don’t disappear. But after Leontes’ rage, this tragedy turns toward reunion and resurrection.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 27, 202358 min

A Winter's Tale: Act IV

This week: Does Shakespeare have a philosophy? He does, and he demonstrates it here through a discussion of flowers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 20, 20231h 6m

A Winter's Tale: Act III

This week, Leontes gets what he wants and loses everything. But hope arrives in the most unexpected place. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 13, 20231h 0m

A Winter's Tale: Act II

What would you do if your king (falsely) accused his queen of infidelity? Bravery and cowardice both show themselves in Leontes’s palace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 6, 202359 min

A Winter's Tale: Act I

Join us for this hidden classic from late in Shakespeare’s career. What begins with toxic masculinity ends with rebirth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 30, 202259 min

The Life of Shakespeare Q&A

This week Tim is joined by a family of Shakespeare fans who are full of questions, including, "How many words did Shakespeare create?" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 16, 202255 min

The Life of Shakespeare: Part Two

William Shakespeare is the most celebrated dramatist in the English language, perhaps any language. But who was the man behind the plays? Part two of two. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 9, 20221h 7m

The Life of Shakespeare: Part One

William Shakespeare is the most celebrated dramatist in the English language, perhaps any language. But who was the man behind the plays? Part one of two. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 2, 20221h 26m

All's Well That Ends Well: Q&A

Join the "All's Well" crew as they answer listener questions! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 25, 202248 min

All's Well That End's Well: Act V

Do we believe in the sincerity of the marriage that ends this play? Were Matt's predictions correct? Is it true that all's well that end's well? Join us as we discuss Act V of this fascinating play. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 10, 202259 min

All's Well That end's Well: Act IV

On this episode we discuss, “Does Shakespeare believe too strongly in marriage?” Plus, predictions about what will happen at the end. Will Parolles be redeemed? Will Bertram undergo a metanoia? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 3, 202249 min

All's Well That Ends Well: Act III

In which we discuss whether anyone is honorable in this play? Plus, two traps are set. One for a cad, one for our protagonist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 27, 202256 min

All's Well That Ends Well: Act II

During Act II, we ask, “Why does Helena love Bertram? He’s — a jerk, right?” Plus, pronunciation advice on those tricky French names. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 12, 202252 min

All's Well That Ends Well: Act I

Welcome to our discussion of another play that’s created centuries of controversy! On this episode, we meet our virtuous heroine and her confused love-interest and we also ask, why is this a comedy? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 30, 202254 min