100 episodes
The State of Shakespeare The State of Shakespeare
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- Arts
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5.0 • 16 Ratings
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The State of Shakespeare is a virtual masterclass featuring in-depth interviews with contemporary Shakespearean actors, directors and teachers. We focus on the complex relationship of words and performance, and how individual artists develop unique and often contrasting approaches to the text. We aim to inspire and educate theatre makers, students and educators to discover new ways of bringing Shakespeare to life. Hosted by Gerritt VanderMeer and Jim Elliott.
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Ben Steinfeld 2.0
Pericles; Act 5, Scene 1 Pericles and MarinaMarch 12, 2024
We welcome one of our favorite guests back to the State of Shakespeare. Ben Steinfeld catches us up on his own epic journey and on Fiasco Theatre’s production of Pericles, in performances now at the Classic Stage Company in NYC.
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Yao Dogbe
Richard III; Act 5, Scene 1 BuckinghamFebruary 28, 2024
Photo by Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez
Actor Yao Dogbe returns to the stage of Chicago Shakespeare Theatre for the highly-anticipated production of Richard III. The inaugural effort by brand-new helmsman Edward Hall, this reimagining of one of Shakespeare’s bloodiest plays has been grabbing attention for its unconventional casting and daring concept. But for Dogbe, it's more than just another role—it's a personal journey about family.
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Click here For More information about Richard III at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater -
Stephen Charles Marzolf
The Tempest; Act 4, Scene 1 ProsperoJanuary 16, 2024
To the uninitiated, northwest Arkansas may sound like an unlikely paradise for an actor. But as Shakespeare’s Prospero shows us, magic is found where you choose to make it. Our guest Steven Charles Marzolf has happily made an artistic home in Fayetteville for the past twelve years, where he recently played Prospero in the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre / University of Central Arkansas co-Production of The Tempest.
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Click here for a First Folio Version of the text.
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Elena Hollenbeak and Lyn Ackerman
Macbeth; Act 5, Scene 1 Lady MacbethNovember 21, 2023
Elena Hollenbeak is the winner of the 2023 English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition. We spoke with the talented Ms. Hollenbeak and her mentor, Dr. Lyn Ackerman, about this year’s competition and what’s so fascinating about Shakespeare. Along the way we learn about a heart-stopping moment for Lady Macbeth. that Shakespeare might have missed, and why the state of Hawaii produces so many exceptional ESU competitors.
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Sara Topham
Romeo & Juliet; Act 3, Scene 2 JulietOctober 24, 2023
Canadian actor Sara Topham met Shakespeare’s Juliet when she was just seventeen and facing the premature overthrow of a promising career. This could be a story about how a star-crossed young dancer became one of the most accomplished classical stage actors of her generation. Or it could be a masterclass in respecting Shakespeare’s verse. Or it could be a love letter to a future generation of Juliets. All we know is to breathe at the end of the line!
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Marquis D. Gibson
Hamlet; Act 2, Scene 2 HamletSeptember 29, 2023
Marquis D. Gibson's Broadway debut was as sudden as it was spectacular. Appearing in the Hamlet inspired Fat Ham, Marquis played the Hamlet character wrestling with a lot of different big questions. For Marquis, it came down to truth, connection and a big dose of relationship. What a piece of work is a man, indeed.
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Customer Reviews
Fantastic interview!
Barry Edelstein’s interview is a must listen if you have any interest in the state of Theatre as a result of Covid.
Best Shakespeare Podcast our there
I’ve been listening to this podcast since September when it was introduced to me. Not only is it informative, it’s honest and authentic. Jim Elliott and Gerritt VanderMeer allow the audience access to so many Shakespeare scholars and working Shakespearean actors with years and years of experience. I am grateful for Them State of Shakespeare’. It’s my favorite podcast on The Bard!
Love it!
Great stuff! Love the discussions and insight. Keep it up. And thanks!