Troilus and Cressida is a problem play in more ways than one. Its tone veers wildly between comedy and tragedy and there are no easy resolutions. But it is also a dazzling work with Shakespeare being more truthful and cynical about the human condition than at any other stage in his career.In this episode, Ben Lawrence returns to the play. He is in conversation with Gregory Doran, artistic director of the RSC, who also directs the new production at Stratford upon Avon (which runs from October 12 to November 17), and with the academic and writer James Shapiro whose long list of acclaimed works includes William Shakespeare: 1606, and the Year of Lear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Troilus and Cressida - Fear and Loathing in Ancient Troy

A series of podcasts in which we'll go behind the scenes of brand new productions from the RSC and discuss the themes behind the plays of the world's greatest ever writer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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In the final episode of the series, Ben Lawrence chairs a discussion with Simon Godwin and Dr Sarah Dustagheer about what Timon of Athens says about our current credit culture and how its cynical tone reflects the troubled state of early 17th-century England.  For more, visit www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-shakespeare-company/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wealth and power in Timon of Athens

In this penultimate episode of the series, Ben Lawrence goes behind the scenes of the RSC's new production of Shakespeare's biting satire and talks to its star, Kathryn Hunter.For more, visit www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-shakespeare-company/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Scenes of Timon of Athens

The Telegraph's Ben Lawrence goes behind the scenes of the RSC's new production of Troilus and Cressida.This is one of Shakespeare's most complex and fascinating plays, a version of events leading up to the death of Hector in the Trojan War, and raising issues about self-image and self-worth, the disappointment of love and the frailty of human nature. This new production, with music by acclaimed percussionist Evelyn Glennie, has a 50/50 gender split.Ben talks to Gregory Doran, Artistic Director of the RSC, and to the two actors playing its title characters, Gavin Fowler and Amber James. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the scenes of Troilus and Cressida

Ben Lawrence talks to director Fiona Laird and Professor Helen Barr of Oxford University about the problems of producing Shakespearean comedy for a 21st-century audience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Troilus and Cressida - Fear and Loathing in Ancient Troy

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