The Brief Life and Big Impact of the Federal Theatre Project, with James Shapiro
James Shapiro explores the cultural and political impact of the New Deal theater program in The Playbook: A Story of Theater, Democracy, and the Making of a Culture War.
Isabelle Schuler on Lady Macbeth and Queen Hereafter
Isabelle Schuler tells us about her new novel, Queen Hereafter.
Ian McKellen on Richard III, Macbeth, and Gandalf
Sir Ian McKellen tells us about some of his most famous roles: playing Macbeth opposite Dame Judi Dench, King Richard III with a screenplay he co-wrote, and Gandalf the Grey in The Lord of the Rings films.
Stephen Greenblatt on Shakespeare's Tyrants
Stephen Greenblatt’s new book Tyrant explores tyranny in Shakespeare’s plays. On this podcast episode, he discusses characters like Richard III and Macbeth; how societies allow tyranny to pop up; and how and why Shakespeare used its depiction in his work to stir the audiences of his time.
The Astor Place Riot
Shakespeare Unlimited: Episode 96 May 10 is the anniversary of the Astor Place Riot: the night in 1849 when fans of American actor Edwin Forrest rioted inside and outside New York’s Astor Place Opera House during a performance of Macbeth…
Orson Welles and Shakespeare
Shakespeare Unlimited: Episode 89 There was a time when Orson Welles was one of America’s biggest celebrities. In 1938, he made national headlines when the radio show he produced did a version of The War of the Worlds that was…