I Am Not Shaped for Sport
Antony Sher reflects on his decision to play Richard III's deformities, by giving him a tremendous energy despite his physical setbacks.
“The Winter’s Tale” with Simon Russell Beale Preview
Simon Russell Beale uncovers the romance and betrayals of “The Winter’s Tale” and shows that in this play Shakespeare offers something for which everyone longs: the ability to make amends for an irreversible mistake.
Magic and Forgiveness in The Winter's Tale
Repentant and hopeful, Leontes, who thought he had forever lost his family, is reunited with his wife and daughter and finds joy in the face of loss.
A Brutal Age of Politics
Richard III is an adept politician – and a consummate actor – which makes him both brilliant and dangerous as he manipulates and maneuvers to quickly achieve his goals.
Leontes' Irrational Jealousy
Deep in the grip of an irrational jealousy, Leontes convinces himself of his wife’s betrayal and won’t be persuaded otherwise, even by Camillo, his most trusted counselor.
Julius Caesar's Impact on American History
The events in Julius Caesar took place 2,000 years ago, but the idea of political assassination has a terrible resonance for Americans. One notorious figure, John Wilkes Booth, was obsessed with the character of Brutus.
The Power of Rhetoric in Mark Antony's Famous Speech
"Friends, Romans, Countrymen..." Brian Cox speaks about the power of rhetoric in Mark Antony's famous speech – and for modern politicians.
Isabella's Mercy
When Angelo is condemned to death, his new wife begs Isabella to save him despite the fact he had attempted to ruin Isabella's life. Isabella makes a hard yet inspiring decision.
Who Will Believe Thee, Isabel?
When Isabella goes to confront Angelo on his hypocrisy, his chilling reply is one that unfortunately still resonates today.
"Julius Caesar" with Brian Cox Preview
Brian Cox explores how "Julius Caesar," for many years, was seen to represent the American experience: the birth of a Republic. The play explores how easy it is for a free republic to fall into corruption. More than that, the play challenges us to think about who or what to trust and what values we want to live by — and to look inside and wonder how well we even know ourselves.
“Measure for Measure” with Romola Garai Preview
Romola Garai explores “Measure for Measure,” one of Shakespeare’s most provocative plays that presents a surprisingly timely drama of sexual morality, hypocrisy and harassment.
The Tangle of Love and Money
Shylock’s relationship with his daughter Jessica, complicated by love, money and their inability to truly understand each other, becomes explosive.
Helen Hunt and Tom Irwin on Beatrice and Benedick
Helen Hunt and Tom Irwin reminisce on their past roles as Beatrice and Benedick and share their thoughts about the characters.
Beatrice and Benedick in Love
When Beatrice and Benedick realize they are in love, they are each overjoyed but their path to being together won’t be smooth .
Inside Look: Helen Hunt on Much Ado About Nothing
Helen Hunt gives an inside look at the all new episode of Shakespeare Uncovered: Much Ado About Nothing.
Hath Not a Jew Eyes?
Pushed to the edge, Shylock passionately insists that Jews are no different than any other people, with common humanity, feelings – and desire for revenge.
“The Merchant of Venice” Preview
F. Murray Abraham untangles the controversies surrounding “The Merchant of Venice,” addressing the ubiquitous anti-Semitism that characterized Europe in Shakespeare’s time.
Shakespeare Uncovered | Series 3 Preview
The final season investigates Much Ado About Nothing, The Merchant of Venice, Measure for Measure, Julius Caesar, The Winter’s Tale and Richard III.
“Richard III” with Sir Antony Sher Preview
Sir Antony Sher unveils the life of Shakespeare’s “Richard III,” comparing the historical king’s reputation with the play’s enduring portrait of ruthless ambition and vengeance.
Joseph Fiennes Visits a Class on Iambic Pentameter
Joseph Fiennes listens in on a Shakespeare session at a South London evening class. Bruce Wall has taught Shakespeare across the world. His students include city bankers, Broadway actors and several thousand prisoners. In this class, he's teaching the group how to think in Iambic Pentameter, the classic five stress rhythm of Shakespearian text.
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