Showing results by author "William Shakespeare" in All Categories

Here is a full-cast, unabridged performance with comprehensive commentary and analysis for any student to fully understand and appreciate the play. Meet literature's greatest villain in this tragedy, fuelled by jealous rage. Journey into the twisted mind of Iago, who freely admits "I am not what I am", to truly get under the skin of this wondrous play.

After Henry V's death and while Henry VI is young, nobles rule England and fight the French, including Joan of Arc. As Henry VI becomes king, the noble houses begin to divide and take sides between York and Lancaster. The war with France winds down, and the nobles try to find Henry a wife and disagree about who Henry chooses.

This collection contains the following works: Euripides: Medea Sophocles: Antigone Aeschylus: Agamemnon Aeschylus: Eumenides Aeschylus: The Choephori William Shakespeare: The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice William Shakespeare: The Tragedy of Romeo And Juliet William Shakespeare: The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, William Shakespeare: The Tragedy of Macbeth, William Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night's Dream, William Shakespeare: The Tragedy of King Lear, William Shakespeare: Antony and Cleopatra.

Macbeth is a tragedy by William Shakespeare about a regicide and its aftermath. It is Shakespeare's shortest tragedy and is believed to have been written sometime between 1603 and 1606. This is a classic audiobook recording read by Sir Anthony Quayle, Robert Hardy and other cast members...

Troilus and Cressida is set during the latter years of the Trojan War, faithfully following the plotline of the Iliad from Achilles' refusal to participate in battle to Hector's death. This full-cast dramatization is performed by The Marlowe Society.

The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, is a powerful tale by William Shakespeare that delves into the depths of human emotion and moral conflict. Set against the backdrop of Denmarks royal court, the play follows Prince Hamlet as he seeks revenge against his uncle Claudius, who has usurped the throne after murdering Hamlets father, the former king. With themes of treachery, madness—both genuine and feigned—and the complexities of familial bonds, Hamlets journey is one of heart-wrenching grief and fierce rage. Join us as we explore this timeless tragedy that continues to resonate with ...

Dive into the tumultuous reign of John, King of England, in William Shakespeares powerful history play, The Life and Death of King John. This gripping drama, believed to have been penned in the mid-1590s and published in the First Folio of 1623, chronicles the life of John Lackland, who ruled from 1199 until his death in 1216. As the son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, Johns rule was marked by the catastrophic loss of Normandy to King Philip II of France in 1204, leading to the disintegration of the Angevin Empire and the rise of the Capetian dynasty. The latter part of Johns reign ...

Shakespeares fascination with Roman history comes alive in his gripping tragedy, Coriolanus, likely penned between 1605 and 1607. The play chronicles the tumultuous journey of Caius Martius, a formidable Roman general who earns the title Coriolanus after his triumph at Corioli. What sets this work apart is its powerful representation of the common citizens of Rome. As the narrative unfolds, we witness their uprising over soaring food prices and their ongoing conflict with Coriolanus, whose disdain for the plebeians fuels the drama. Join us as we explore themes of power, pride, and the voice of...

No play in William Shakespeares oeuvre is as polarizing as his first tragedy, Titus Andronicus. This harrowing tale follows the titular Roman general, who returns home after a brutal decade-long campaign against the Goths, only to reject the emperorship and ignite a horrific cycle of vengeance. When Titus orders the execution of Tamora, Queen of the Goths eldest son, he sets off a chain reaction of violence that spirals into a nightmarish symphony of bloodshed and retribution, as both Titus and Tamora are engulfed in their own tragic flaws. Shakespeare skillfully draws on the revenge tragedy ...

Step into the world of fair Verona, where two noble families, locked in a bitter feud, unknowingly pave the way for a tragic love story. From the ancient grudge that ignites a new conflict to the fateful bond of star-crossd lovers, this rendition of Romeo and Juliet captures the essence of passion, rivalry, and despair. Experience the heart-wrenching tale of love and loss as the destinies of Romeo and Juliet unfold, ultimately leading to a resolution that forever changes their families. (Summary from the Prologue) Cast Narrator Laurie Anne Walden Romeo mb Juliet Beth Thomas Nurse Arielle ...

When Julius Caesar returns to Rome from conquering the Gauls, Cassius and his friends are worried that he will try to seize power and make himself emperor. Cassius must act fast. He gathers Brutus, Cinna, and others to stop Julius Caesar and save the Roman Republic! This play was recorded in two weeks as part of Librivox's celebration of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death. Summary by Esther ben Simonides Cast List:Narrator: Peter Why Flavius, Casca, Volumnius: Maria KasperMarullus, Cinna the Poet, Poet, Dardanius: Ray KasperFirst Commoner, Decius Brutus, Fourth Citizen, First Soldier...

Othello is a gripping tragedy that explores the tragic fall of its titular hero, Othello, a Moorish general serving Venice. Deceived by his manipulative ensign, Iago, Othello becomes ensnared in a web of jealousy that threatens to destroy his love for Desdemona, a noble and virtuous Venetian beauty he has just wed. (Summary by Junrui Zheng)

Step into the haunting world of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, a timeless tragedy by William Shakespeare. This gripping tale unfolds in the Kingdom of Denmark, where Prince Hamlet seeks revenge against his treacherous uncle Claudius, who has murdered Hamlets father, seized the throne, and married Gertrude, Hamlets mother. With its rich exploration of genuine and feigned madness, the play delves into themes of betrayal, vengeance, incest, and moral decay, making it a profound reflection on the human condition. (Summary by Wikipedia)

Dive into the dark world of ambition and betrayal with Librivoxs captivating recording of Macbeth, one of Shakespeares most iconic tragedies. Follow Macbeth, a valorous general in King Duncans army, who encounters a trio of mysterious witches that foretell his ascent to the throne. Consumed by ambition and spurred on by his ambitious wife, he commits regicide, setting off a chain of bloodshed in his quest to secure power. As he grapples with guilt and paranoia, Macbeth learns that not all prophecies are as clear-cut as they seem. (Summary by Laurie Anne Walden) Cast Duncan – Joshua B. ...

Known for its profound emotion and startling brutality, The Tragedy of King Lear is celebrated as one of Shakespeares greatest masterpieces. This gripping tale follows the aging King Lear, a British monarch who foolishly divides his vast kingdom among his two eldest daughters, seduced by their flattering words. Tragically, these daughters conceal their ruthless hearts, while the only daughter deserving of his love, Cordelia, is cast aside and ultimately exiled for refusing to engage in their deceit. Lears impulsive choices set off a devastating chain of events that plunge him into despair. ...

Dive into William Shakespeares Richard II, the first of eight captivating plays that chronicles the tumultuous events of the War of the Roses, spanning from around 1365 to the death of Richard III in 1485. This engaging rendition, narrated by Cori and enriched by the editing talents of J. M. Smallheer and John Gonzalez, features an impressive cast bringing to life a diverse array of characters. Experience the political intrigue and personal struggles of royalty and nobility through the voices of talented actors, including Annie Coleman as the Narrator and Peter Yearsley as King Richard II. ...

William Shakespeares Macbeth is a haunting exploration of ambition and moral decay. Set against the backdrop of Scotland, this powerful tragedy reveals the devastating psychological and political consequences that arise when Macbeth, a noble lord, succumbs to his dark desires for power. After committing regicide to seize the throne, his descent into tyranny and madness spirals into a realm of violence and civil unrest. Ultimately, Macbeths insatiable hunger for control leads to his own downfall, stripping him of everything that once gave his life meaning. (Summary by Wikipedia)

Dive into the captivating world of Shakespeares Richard II, often heralded by scholars as the first act in the sweeping saga of the Henriad. This play offers a profound exploration of the nature of monarchy, illustrating the transition from the divine right of kings to a more politically savvy approach. Shakespeare presents Richard as a tragic figure, whose failures as a ruler are starkly highlighted through his mishandling of a judicial duel and his unscrupulous seizing of funds for an Irish campaign. In stark contrast stands Henry Bolingbroke, the cunning opportunist who gathers enough ...

Immerse yourself in the timeless tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, one of William Shakespeares earliest masterpieces. This heart-wrenching tale follows two young lovers whose intense passion leads to devastating consequences, ultimately bridging the divide between their warring families. Celebrated for its lyrical beauty and emotional depth, this play remains a favorite among audiences and critics alike. Its enduring influence is evident, as Romeo and Juliet continue to symbolize the archetype of young love, captivating hearts across generations. (Summary from Wikipedia)

The Yorkists have been temporarily victorious and the Duke of York has assumed the throne, but the Lancastrians, led by Queen Margaret, counter-attack. As the fortunes of war shift, both the innocent and the guilty are swept up in the maelstrom. And increasingly dominant amid the chaos is the sinister figure of the crook-backed Richard, Duke of Gloucester.