Richard III

Reign of King Edward the Third by William Shakespeare.

The Reign of King Edward the Third is an Elizabethan play printed anonymously in 1596. It has frequently been claimed that it was at least partly written by William Shakespeare, a view that Shakespeare scholars have increasingly endorsed. The rest of the play was probably written by Thomas Kyd. The play contains many gibes at Scotland and the Scottish people, which has led some critics to think that it is the work that incited George Nicolson, Queen Elizabeth's agent in Edinburgh, to protest against the portrayal of Scots on the London stage in a 1598 letter to William Cecil, Lord Burghley. This would explain why the play was not included in the First Folio of Shakespeare's works, which was published after the Scottish King James had succeeded to the English throne in 1603. The plot of the play consists of two distinct parts.

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First Part of King Henry IV (version 2) by William Shakespeare.

After the events of Richard II , wherein the conceited King Richard II is dethroned and assassinated, Shakespeare’s Henriad continues apace with this multifaceted work that details the reign of Richard’s illegitimate successor, King Henry IV. In this play, the first of two parts, a rift grows between the King and his former allies, the Percys, after Henry raises the ire of the irascible young Hotspur when they butt heads over ransomed prisoners from a recent battle. Collaborating closely with the Welsh and Scots, the Percys carefully plan another rebellious deposition. Meanwhile, Henry’s wayward heir, Prince Hal, is whiling away his time with highwaymen and reprobates in cheap taverns instead of at the court, with his chief companion—and secondary father figure—being the slovenly old braggart Sir John Falstaff (who remains one of Shakespeare’s greatest and most entertaining creations).

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Richard II by William Shakespeare.

Richard II by William Shakespeare is the first of eight plays that portray a historically-informed version of the War of the Roses - beginning in about 1365 and ending with Richard III's death in 1485. Edited by J. M. Smallheer and John Gonzalez.

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Second Part of King Henry IV (version 2) by William Shakespeare.

This sequel and third entry of the Henriad immediately follows the events of Henry IV, Part 1 and the aftermath of the Battle of Shrewsbury, which saw the Percys’ rebellion against the King quashed and its leader, Hotspur, killed in combat with the Prince of Wales. Upon hearing of Hotspur’s death, his father, the Earl of Northumberland, vows to avenge him, and unites with the Archbishop of York and other discontented nobles to continue the civil unrest. Meanwhile, the boastful knight Falstaff—having emerged from Shrewsbury with greater wealth and repute—resumes his drunken misadventures in Eastcheap with a new page and swaggering ensign in tow, attracting the attentions of the coarse Doll Tearsheet and the ire of the impatient Mistress Quickly.

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Public-domain recording courtesy of LibriVox (librivox.org).

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King Henry IV by William Shakespeare.

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King Henry IV by William Shakespeare.

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Edward II by Christopher Marlowe.

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"King Leir and His Three Daughters" is a timeless tale that explores the complexities of familial relationships and the consequences of pride and betrayal. The story centers on King Leir, who tests the loyalty of his three daughters, leading to tragic outcomes that reflect the fragility of love and trust. This poignant narrative resonates with audiences today as it delves into themes of loyalty, authority, and the often-painful dynamics within families. Its enduring relevance lies in the universal truths about human nature and the profound impact of our choices, making it a powerful listen for anyone interested in the depths of personal relationships and the moral dilemmas that arise from them.

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"Measure for Measure" by William Shakespeare delves into themes of justice, morality, and the complexities of human nature. Set against a backdrop of political intrigue and societal hypocrisy, the play challenges the boundaries of authority and personal ethics, prompting audiences to reflect on the balance between mercy and justice. Its exploration of power dynamics and moral dilemmas remains profoundly relevant today, as it invites listeners to consider the implications of their choices in a world where right and wrong are not always clear-cut. This timeless work encourages a deeper understanding of the human condition, making it a compelling listen for those seeking to engage with Shakespeare's enduring insights.

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"Orestes-Euripides" delves into the intense emotional and moral dilemmas faced by Orestes as he grapples with the consequences of avenging his father's murder. This powerful tragedy explores themes of justice, vengeance, and the burdens of familial loyalty, making it a timeless reflection on human nature and the complexities of ethical decision-making. The play's exploration of the struggle between personal duty and societal expectations remains relevant today, inviting listeners to reflect on their own moral choices in the face of adversity. With its rich characterizations and profound insights, "Orestes-Euripides" stands as a compelling testament to the enduring power of Greek tragedy.

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