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Artwork for Folger Shakespeare Library: Shakespeare Unlimited

Folger Shakespeare Library: Shakespeare Unlimited

Folger Shakespeare Library
Shakespeare
Hamlet
Disgust
Henry VIII
Will Somer
Antony and Cleopatra
Renaissance
Titus Andronicus
Transgender Identity
Court Fools
Othello
Dyslexia
Stand-Up Comedy
The Merchant Of Venice
Lady Macbeth
Shakespeare's First Folio
Tudor Court
Anne Boleyn
Arizona State University
Greenwich House Theatre

Home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare materials. Advancing knowledge and the arts. Discover it all at www.folger.edu. Shakespeare turns up in the most interesting places—not just literature and the stage, but science and social history as well. Our "Shakespeare Unlimited" podcast explores the fascinating and varied connections between Shakespeare, his works, and the world around us... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes284Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Arts

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Artwork for Folger Shakespeare Library: Shakespeare Unlimited

Latest Episodes

Shakespeare’s plays are filled with unforgettable women—but too often, their voices are cut short. Ophelia never gets to defend herself. Gertrude never explains her choices. Lady Anne surrenders to Richard III in silence. In her new book, She Speaks:... more

YouTube

Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare were both born in 1564, rising from working-class origins finding success in the new world of the theater. But before Shakespeare transformed English drama, Marlowe had already done so—with Tamburlaine the ... more

YouTube

You may know Al Letson as a journalist—he’s the host of the popular investigative podcast Reveal. Before that, he created and hosted the public radio show State of the Re:Union. But Letson is also an actor, writer, playwright, and poet. His play Juli... more

YouTube

Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar feels urgently contemporary in Rosa Joshi’s new production at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival—one of America’s largest and longest-running theater festivals, now in its 90th season. Staged in partnership with Seattle’s ups... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Stephen Greenblatt
Renowned Shakespearean scholar and author of 'Dark Renaissance'
Havard University
Episode: Stephen Greenblatt on Christopher Marlowe
Al Letson
Journalist, actor, playwright, and host of the investigative podcast Reveal
Episode: Al Letson on his play Julius X
Rosa Joshi
a director and Associate Artistic Director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Episode: Director Rosa Joshi on Julius Caesar Today
Patricia A. Matthew
Associate professor of English at Montclair State University
Montclair State University
Episode: Reading Jane Austen in the 21st Century with Patricia A. Matthew
Simon Russell Beale
Acclaimed actor recognized for his work in Shakespearean roles
Royal Shakespeare Company
Episode: Simon Russell Beale on Shakespeare, from Hamlet to Titus
Christopher Marsh
Project organizer and specialist in ballads.
Queen's University Belfast
Episode: Top Pop Songs of the 1600s
Angela McShane
Project organizer and expert on early modern ballads.
University of Warwick
Episode: Top Pop Songs of the 1600s
Surekha Davies
Historian of science and author of "Humans, a Monster's History"
University of California Press
Episode: Surekha Davies on the Making of Monsters
Grace Tiffany
A Shakespearean and professor of English at Western Michigan University, author of novels about Judith Shakespeare.
Western Michigan University
Episode: Reimagining Judith Shakespeare with Grace Tiffany

Hosts

Farah Karim Cooper
Director at the Folger Shakespeare Library. Engages in discussions regarding Shakespeare's works and their relevance in contemporary discourse.
Barbara Bogaev
Host and interviewer known for her engaging style and deep knowledge of Shakespeare and cultural subjects.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 1.1k ratings
  • Excellent From The Very First

    Having recently discovered this wonderful podcast, I have been struck by how excellent it was from the very first episode. And that is saying a lot because it has been around for 10 years! Subject matter, guests, introductions and hosts are top notch and the production is such a high quality, it is truly exceptional. I really have to get to newly renovated library soon! Thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    KimTrahan
    United States18 days ago
  • “Give me excess of it!”

    As an English professor and lifelong lover of all things England and Shakespeare, Shakespeare Unlimited is an absolute gem. Each episode is engaging, thought-provoking, and expertly produced. The variety of topics keeps it fresh and endlessly fascinating—ranging from deep literary analysis to cultural history to performance to pop culture and beyond.

    Listening to this podcast feels like being back in graduate school, in the best possible way. It’s intellectually rich without being overwhelming,... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    DavidCLowery
    United States3 months ago
  • My favorite podcast by FAR

    So informative, engaging, and invigorating! Barbara is a phenomenal interviewer and I’ve learned so much from the excellent guests, about both Shakespeare and the world. I look forward to listening each week!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    T. Heater
    United States4 months ago
  • Continuing education in Shakespeare studies

    Shakespeare from an enormous number of interesting angles! I learn something every episode, and love when an unexpected perspective of a character or entire play is offered!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    stevensfan
    United States5 months ago
  • Can’t live without this podcast!

    I look forward to hearing each episode. It’s brilliant, entertaining, enlightening and has reawakened my love of Shakespeare.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    TheresaNIRfan
    United States5 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The podcast is known for its variety of topics, ensuring that every episode offers something unique and engaging.
The host's interviewing style is engaging and fosters insightful conversations with a variety of guests.
Listeners appreciate the blend of entertainment and education, finding the discussions stimulating and enjoyable.
Expect intellectually rich and diverse perspectives on literary themes in each episode.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#208
United States/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#224
United Kingdom/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#97
Italy/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#204
Australia/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#113
Hong Kong/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#148
Spain/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Harriet Walter: New Words for Shakespeare's Women
Q: What does hybridization mean for your acting approach?
It involves merging my own identity with the character's, allowing for authenticity while maintaining an inner core that keeps me grounded.
Harriet Walter: New Words for Shakespeare's Women
Q: How do you view the relationship between Gertrude and Hamlet based on your re-imagining?
I see Gertrude not just as a passive victim but a woman with her own agency, affected by her relationships and the power dynamics around her.
Harriet Walter: New Words for Shakespeare's Women
Q: What inspired you to write new monologues for Shakespeare's female characters?
I wanted to give voice to characters like Gertrude, who often leave the stage without expressing their true feelings or thoughts, to explore their complexities and struggles.
Stephen Greenblatt on Christopher Marlowe
Q: Was Christopher Marlowe indeed a spy for Queen Elizabeth?
Evidence suggests Marlowe was involved in espionage, notably connections with the secret police and recruitment for spying.
Reading Jane Austen in the 21st Century with Patricia A. Matthew
Q: What did you learn about Jane Austen's life compared to the sheltered existence often attributed to her?
Austen was more widely read than assumed and had a keen intellectual curiosity.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The episodes explore various intersections between literary works by William Shakespeare and modern themes, focusing on diverse subjects such as social history, gender dynamics, and adaptations across different contexts. Noteworthy discussions spotlight adaptations of classics like 'Julius Caesar' and 'Hamlet' through contemporary lenses, showcasing themes like diversity in theater and economic inequality. The podcast emphasizes the relevance of Shakespeare's works in modern discussions about race, gender, and identity, making it appealing to scholars, educators, and general enthusiasts alike seeking deeper understanding and fresh perspectives on the Bard's enduring influence.

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. The History of Literature
2. In Our Time
3. The History of English Podcast
4. Backlisted
5. The LRB Podcast

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 10 years ago and published 284 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Stephen Greenblatt
2. Al Letson
3. Rosa Joshi
4. Patricia A. Matthew
5. Simon Russell Beale
6. Christopher Marsh
7. Angela McShane
8. Surekha Davies

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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