The Shakespearean Student

To start off a month of "Romeo and Juliet" Podcasts, I begin at the beginning (literally) and break down the history, context, and language of the 14 line Prologue of "Romeo and Juliet."

One thing I like to do when I teach Shakespeare is point out how his plots and characters are so timeless that we can see them in many modern forms of media. I particularly believe this is true with Disney (since both Disney and Shakespeare made use of fairy tales in their work). In this episode, I trace the connective roots between the Disney movie "Encanto," and the Shakespearean tragedy "King Lear."

In the post, I will delve into the history of the role and how 20th and 21st-century actors have grappled with the portrayal of Shylock. I will be talking about how I would interpret the play for a modern audience.

Malvolio in Twelfth Night is one of Shakespeare's most beloved comic characters- the snobby obsequious steward to Countess Olivia who is tricked into wearing ridiculous clothes and acting like a fool. Does he deserve the pranks that are played on him, or is this an example of Elizabethan bullying that shouldn't be tolerated today? I share my insights from playing both this part and the clown Feste, whom Malvolio insults and is later duped by Feste. It's a thoughtful discussion about the relevance of the play, and its themes and ideas.

I delve into the religious traditions of Hannukah, Kwanza, and Christmas that Shakespeare represents in the characters of Shylock, Antonio, and the Prince of Morocco in "The Merchant of Venice." The play isn't cheery, has very few gifts, and has no Santa, but it nevertheless has a lot to say to people of different faiths who celebrate this holiday season.

I trace the history of Witch Hunts from Shakespeare’s time to the most infamous American witch hunt: The Salem Witch Trial.

I discuss the various soldier characters in Shakespeare's plays from Talbott in Henry VI to Mercutio to Falstaff! How does Shakespeare portray the lives of soldiers in these plays? How does he change his views on the military over time?

Is the play "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare really cursed? I go through the history, cultural context, and my own experience playing the title role to talk about this famous theater superstition. I also look at elements from "Macbeth" that appear in "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allen Poe, and the TV show "Breaking Bad."

Many of us have fealt intimidated reading a Shakespearean play. Especially since they were designed to be heard onstage not read at home or in the classroom. Here are some helpful tips for you to get the most out of a Shakespeare play.