"Antony and Cleopatra" by William Shakespeare explores the tumultuous relationship between the Roman general Mark Antony and the enigmatic Egyptian queen Cleopatra, set against a backdrop of political intrigue and personal ambition. This timeless tale delves into themes of love, loyalty, and the complexities of power, illustrating how personal desires can clash with public duty. Its exploration of the human condition and the consequences of passion remains relevant today, prompting listeners to reflect on the choices that shape their lives. Shakespeare's masterful language and rich characterizations invite audiences to experience the depth of emotion and the tragic consequences of ambition, making this classic work a must-hear.

Beaumont and Fletcher's The Maid's Tragedy (first published 1619) is a sensational Jacobean sex tragedy. When gentleman soldier Melantius returns to Rhodes, he finds his dear friend Amintor is recently married - but not to his troth-plight love Aspatia (the maid of the title). Instead, the King has arranged a match between Amintor and Melantius' sister, the beautiful Evadne. On his wedding night, Amintor finds that his new wife has married him under false pretenses - and this unleashes a torrent of dire consequences, sexual, emotional, and ultimately political. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)Cast:Cleon: David NicolStrato: Algy PugLysippus: mbDiphilus/Messenger/First Gentleman: Marty KrisMelantius: David GoldfarbAspatia: Arielle LipshawAmintor: Peter BishopCalianax: Andy MinterKing: Bruce PirieEvadne/Diagoras/Narrator: Elizabeth KlettNight/Antiphila: AvailleCynthia/Olympias: SkylarkNeptune: Bob GonzalezEolus/Servant: Barry EadsDula: Beth ThomasLady: Bev J. StevensAudio edited by Elizabeth Klett