Obie Award–winning director, revered educator, and Richard Rodgers Dean and Director of the Drama Division at The Juilliard School, EVAN YIONOULIS joins host Nathan Winkelstein for a riveting conversation about one of William Shakespeare’s most under-explored plays, King John. Yionoulis reads Constance’s famous speech from Act 3, Scene 4 — “Thou art not holy to belie me so. I am not mad.” — sparking a rich discussion on the play’s political tensions, emotional depth, and startling resonance with today’s world. Together, they unpack the history behind the drama, its complexities, and why it still matters now.

Distinguished actor and educator SHIRINE BABB joins host Nathan Winkelstein for a conversation about inhabiting the formidable Margaret of Anjou from Shakespeare’s Henry VI and Richard III. Babb delivers the iconic “molehill” speech from Henry VI, Part III, Act I, Scene IV — “What, was it you that would be England’s king?” — and unpacks her process: a rigorous cross-examination of Margaret’s historical reality alongside Shakespeare’s portrayal, tracing their points of alignment to arrive at a deeply rich and fully realized character.

One of classical theater’s great power couples, ROBERT CUCCIOLI & LAILA ROBINS, joined host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, for a lively conversation centered on Shakespeare’s own iconic pair, Antony and Cleopatra. Focusing on the Act 1 Scene 3 quarrel—“I am sick and sullen”—they explored the dynamics of the scene and reflected on their experiences working together. (3/1/2021)

Renowned director and teacher CARL COFIELD — Chair of the NYU Grad Acting Program and Associate Artistic Director of the Classical Theatre of Harlem — joins host Nathan Winkelstein for a deep dive into how a director approaches the tragedy of Macbeth. Cofield recites the iconic “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow” speech from Act V, Scene 5 and they discuss his text-driven vision, his take on Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s complex dynamic, and how personal experience shapes artistic interpretation. 

Tony Award-winning Actor ANDRÉ DE SHIELDS joined host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, for a conversation focused on the ‘man more sinned against than sinning’, Shakespeare’s titular King Lear. Their discussion centers on Act 3 Scene 2—“Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks!”—exploring its language, politics, and the lasting impact of great storytelling. (2/1/2021)

Three-time Tony Award–winning director, producer, and writer JACK O’BRIEN joins host Nathan Winkelstein for a deep dive into the evolution of language and Shakespeare’s verse. From memory, O’Brien delivers Marc Antony’s famous speech from Act 3 Scene 1 of Julius Caesar — “O pardon me thou bleeding piece of earth,” — before unpacking the nuances of Shakespeare’s text, its rhythm, and its structure. Plus, he shares his unforgettable Middle English party trick!

Appearing on stages all across the country and the Off-Broadway rialto, RAPHAEL NASH THOMPSON has built a sterling reputation as a brilliant actor in the classics. He joined host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull’s Associate Artistic Director, and special guest JESSE BERGER, Red Bull’s Founder and Artistic Director, for a conversation focused on Shakespeare’s Pericles. Thompson tackled the role of Gower in Red Bull Theater’s 2003 production. He reprised the role in 2016 at Theater for a New Audience under the direction of Trevor Nunn. Thompson read an except from Act 3 Prologue—“Now sleep yslackèd hath the rout;”—and joined in a discussion of the rewards and challenges of this unique Shakespeare play. (10/4/2021)

This event was part of PERICLES 2021 – a multi-faceted endeavor to provide an opportunity for our entire community to explore William Shakespeare’s Pericles – the founding production of Red Bull Theater (2003) – with BIPOC voices in our present moment.

The incomparable character actor MICHAEL EMERSON joins host Nathan Winkelstein for a riveting conversation centered on Claudius from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Emerson brings his signature intensity to a chilling reading of the king’s guilt-laden soliloquy from Act 3 Scene 3 — “O, my offense is rank, it smells to heaven” — illuminating the psychological depth and moral ambiguity of one of the Bard’s most enigmatic villains. Together, they unpack the emotional weight and political cunning embedded in the text, offering rich insights into performance, motivation, and the enduring relevance of Shakespeare’s work.

CHUKWUDI IWUJI joined host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull’s Associate Artistic Director, for a conversation centered on Henry VI—the man who would be “a homely swain.” Chukwudi played the title role across all three parts of the Henry VI trilogy with the ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY in 2006, in productions helmed by Michael Boyd. He read an excerpt from Act 2 Scene 5—“This battle fares like to the morning’s war”—and reflected on three pivotal turning points in his career. (6/29/2020)

The Renaissance man of American theater, AUSTIN PENDLETON, joins host Nathan Winkelstein for an insightful conversation exploring his multifaceted experiences with Shakespeare—as an actor, director, playwright, and teacher. Pendleton delivers a stirring reading of Hamlet’s monologue from Act 2 Scene 2 — “O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I!” — setting the stage for a lively exchange. Together, they delve into their differing perspectives on interpreting the Bard’s works, sparring playfully over the challenges and joys of bringing Shakespeare to life. 

*Guest opinions are their own and do not reflect the views of Red Bull Theater.