Showing results by author "William Shakespeare" in All Categories

Often regarded as one of Shakespeares most complex problem plays, Measure for Measure delves into the intricate themes of sin and justice. When Duke Vincentio relinquishes control of Vienna to the morally corrupt Angelo, chaos ensues as Claudio is sentenced to death for the shame of premarital sex. Desperate to save her brother, Isabella, a novice nun, confronts a harrowing bargain her brothers life in exchange for her own virginity. Join us as we navigate this compelling narrative filled with moral dilemmas and societal critique. (Summary by wildemoose) Cast Abhorson John D. Nugent Angelo ...

Is it a Shakespearean play? Most likely not, but this intriguing comedy, found in a volume labeled Shakespeare in Charles IIs library, certainly captivates. C. F. Tucker Brooke featured it in his 1818 collection of Shakespeare Apocrypha as one of 14 possible plays attributed to the Bard. With William the Conqueror in disguise and Fair Em revealing unexpected layers, this delightful tale offers a blend of humor and clever twists. - Summary by ToddHW

Shakespeare's sonnets have long been considered some of the greatest poetry ever written. It’s hard to find someone who hasn’t heard the phrase, “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?" Marvel at the use of syllables, or simply sit back and enjoy all Shakespeare’s sonnets in one handy volume.

A selection of stories about love and romance from the best storytellers of the world including Shakespeare, Chekhov, and Turgenev trying to express love in all its forms. This volume opens with iconic Romeo and Juliet's tragic love story dating back to antiquity, followed by very passionate and quite unusual love between a doctor and his patient in 'The District Doctor' by Ivan Turgenev. And last, but not least, a story from the master of human relationship and psychology, Anton Chekhov and his story of 'The Man in a Case'. Read in English, unabridged.

Brilliantly manipulative and entirely amoral, the hero-villain Richard is one of Shakespeare's greatest roles. The Yorkists have emerged victorious from the civil wars and Edward IV wears the English crown. But Edward's misshapen brother Richard harbors kingly ambitions and will stop at nothing to achieve the throne. In a fatal battle on Bosworth Field, Richard meets the ghosts of all whom he has murdered and the Earl of Richmond, the future King Henry VII.

The all-conquering King Henry V is dead, and the throne is occupied by his infant son, Henry VI. The good Duke Humphrey of Gloucester has been appointed protector, but a struggle for power soon develops between the young king's Lancastrian relatives and the powerful house of York under Richard Plantagenet. Meanwhile the French, led by Joan of Arc, the maid of Orleans, threaten to win back the territories lost to Henry V.

A Shakespeare Society Production. The complete play in five acts...

Rebellion still simmers in England and King Henry's health is failing. Prince Hal has proved his courage but the king still fears that his son's pleasure-loving nature will bring the realm to ruin. Meanwhile, Falstaff and his ribald companions waste the nights in revelry, anticipating the moment when Hal will ascend the throne. Falstaff is in Gloucestershire when news arrives that the king has died. Has the dissolute old knight's hour come at last?

Renowned Shakespearean actors John Gielgud and Ralph Richardson lead a full-cast performance of this beloved Shakespeare play. Dealing with issues of mercy, justice, and truth, and their relationship to pride and humility, this is Shakespeare at his most complex and rewarding.

A classic performance of one of the Bard's classics. Raised to the heights of power in recognition of his bravery against the Volscian army, Caius Marcius Coriolanus, finds himself betrayed by Brutus and Sicinius. Exiled from Rome and seeking vengeance, Coriolanus allies himself with the...

King Lear is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. It tells the tale of a king who bequeaths his power and land to two of his three daughters, after they declare their love for him in an extremely fawning and obsequious manner. His third daughter gets nothing, because she will not flatter him as her sisters had done. When he feels disrespected by the two daughters who now have his wealth and power, he becomes furious to the point of madness. He eventually becomes tenderly reconciled to his third daughter, just before tragedy strikes her and then the king.

Proteus loves Julia in Verona, Valentine loves Silvia in Milan. But when Proteus meets Silvia, he falls for her too, and the heartbroken Julia sets out in pursuit. This delightful and sometimes disquieting early comedy of love lost and found offers lyrical poetry, disguise, clowning, outlaws, and a most unreliable dog.

Richard Burton narrates this famous dramatic chronicle of the English Crown, a treasure of the BBC radio archive published on audible for the very first time. Vivat Rex is the landmark drama series first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1977.

The Folger Shakespeare Library, home to the world’s largest Shakespeare collection, brings Julius Caesar to life with this new full-length, full-cast dramatic recording of its definitive Folger Edition. Shakespeare may have written Julius Caesar as the first of his plays to be performed at the...

Tony Award winner Alan Cumming in his riveting solo interpretation of Shakespeare’s tragedy. Star of stage, film and television Alan Cumming delivers a virtuoso performance playing every role in the National Theatre of Scotland’s bold presentation of Shakespeare’s chilling tale of desire...

The English language has grown into the world’s pre-dominant spoken language, containing over one million words. Its sources are rich and diverse, having absorbed words from other cultures and times without hesitation. With such talents as Shakespeare, Keats, Shelley, Kipling, Blake, and many other classic poets using this most flexible language to render their thoughts and visions, it is no wonder that the beauty and reach of English entrances us.

Imogen, the daughter of King Cymbeline, is persecuted by her wicked stepmother, the Queen, and by Cloten, the Queen's doltish son. Disguised as a boy, she sets out to find her husband, the banished Posthumus. On her journey, she unwittingly meets her two brothers, stolen from the court as infants. Posthumus, meanwhile, has been convinced by the villainous Iachimo that Imogen is unchaste and agrees to a test of her faithfulness.

In The Tempest, long considered one of Shakespeare’s most lyrical plays, Prospero, a sorcerer, and his daughter, Miranda, have been stranded on an enchanted island for 12 years. When a shipwreck—caused by the eponymous tempest—brings enemies to the island, the stage is set for comedy, romance, and reconciliation.

Dive into the enchanting yet complex world of Alls Well That Ends Well, where fairy tales intertwine with the harsh realities of life. This captivating story follows a humble physicians daughter who travels to Paris with a noble mission to heal the King. In exchange, she requests a husband—not for the King himself, but for the elusive Count Rousillon, a man connected to her familys past. Their marriage, however, takes a tumultuous turn as the Count shuns his new wife and heads off to war. Undeterred, she embarks on a daring journey to reclaim her husband, employing clever ruses to navigate ...

Step into the enchanting world of Shakespeares As You Like It, a delightful pastoral comedy that was penned and first graced the stage around 1599. This timeless tale weaves together beloved themes a brave heroine disguised as a man, a witty fool with sharp observations, brothers battling for power, and a captivating journey from the royal court to the rustic countryside, all punctuated by an array of romantic entanglements. Join us for a lively exploration of love, identity, and the joys of life in the woods, beautifully narrated by Elizabeth Klett.