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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
Stand-Up Comedy
Dyslexia
The Merchant Of Venice
Lady Macbeth
Shakespeare's First Folio
Tudor Court
Anne Boleyn
Arizona State University
Marathons

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 monthlyEpisodes291Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Arts

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Artwork for Folger Shakespeare Library: Shakespeare Unlimited

Latest Episodes

While Shakespeare was reshaping English drama, a parallel theatrical revolution was unfolding in Spain. During the Spanish Golden Age, playwright Lope de Vega pioneered the comedia nueva, a bold new dramatic form that broke classical rules in favor o... more

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Why does Samuel Pepys’s diary still matter 200 years after it was first published? In her new book, The Strange History of Samuel Pepys’s Diary, historian Kate Loveman examines how Pepys’s extraordinary consistency as a diarist has made his writing o... more

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What did people really eat in Shakespeare’s England? In her new book, Much Ado About Cooking, food historian Sam Bilton uncovers the vibrant and surprising world of early modern cuisine—where sugar was locked away like treasure, fresh salads were eve... more

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Hamnet, the acclaimed novel by Maggie O’Farrell, is now a major film. The story imagines the life and death of Shakespeare’s son, Hamnet, whose loss would later echo through one of his most famous tragedies, Hamlet. O’Farrell joins director and co-wr... more

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Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Kate Loveman
Pepys scholar, author of The Strange History of Samuel Pepys's Diary
University of Leicester
Episode: The Strange History of Samuel Pepys's Diary
Sam Bilton
Food historian and author, expert on Elizabethan cuisine
Episode: Celebrating Elizabethan Cooking, with Sam Bilton
Daniel Swift
Author and Professor at Northeastern University
Northeastern University
Episode: London's First Playhouse and Shakespeare
Jade Scott
Historian affiliated with the University of Glasgow
University of Glasgow
Episode: Mary, Queen of Scots, with Jade Scott
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

Host

Farrah Kareem Cooper
Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library and host of Shakespeare Unlimited.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 1.2k ratings
  • Yes!

    Shakespeare in Africa, Shakespeare in China, Shakespeare in prisons, sonnets based on pop songs — this amazing podcast covers a wide range and is always interesting, always accessible. Fascinating guests, great questions, rewarding discussions — I’m so glad I stumbled upon it. I’m hooked!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Shakespeare-to-Sondheim
    United States2 months ago
  • Reading Jane Austen

    The author/editor/‘scholar’ seemed contemptuous of Jane Austen’s ongoing popularity

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    ?YouAsked?
    Australia2 months ago
  • Fantastic range and depth

    Had no idea what to expect when I clicked on the first episode I tried, but every time I listen I am struck by the range of subjects, the depth of its exploration, and the accessibility of how it’s all handled.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tony_Bananas
    United States3 months ago
  • 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 States4 months 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 States7 months ago

Listeners Say

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

The variety of subjects explored keeps the content fresh and intellectually stimulating, attracting both scholars and casual fans of the arts.
Critiques arise regarding the interview style of the host, indicating a desire for more engaging follow-up questions during guest segments.
Listeners appreciate the depth and accessibility of the discussions, often surprising themselves with how engaging and relevant the topics are.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#245
United States/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#108
Chile/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Hamnet, with Chloe Zhao and Maggie O'Farrell
Q: What did you think when Chloe asked you and had you ever co-written anything before?
Maggie O'Farrell thought it was exciting to work with Chloe Zhao as she didn't want a traditional portrayal and desired a fresh perspective on the story.
Hamnet, with Chloe Zhao and Maggie O'Farrell
Q: Did you also have doubts about whether it would make a good film?
Chloé Zhao initially felt uncertain, thinking she wouldn't be the right fit to adapt the story about grief, especially as she doesn't have children.
London's First Playhouse and Shakespeare
Q: What was an Elizabethan apprenticeship, and why was it crucial?
It was a training system where young men would learn a trade under a master, allowing them to secure a profession after several years, which was vital for survival at the time.
London's First Playhouse and Shakespeare
Q: What was the dream that James Burbage had with his theatre?
James Burbage wanted to create a venue that would control performances and profit from them, marking the dawn of commercial theater.
London's First Playhouse and Shakespeare
Q: So is the economics of being an artist a preoccupation of yours, too?
It has been for some time; the reality is that it's quite difficult to build a life as a professional author.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
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?

Exploring the intricate connections between Shakespeare's works and the wider world, this podcast presents an eclectic mix of topics that touch on literature, theater, history, and cultural relevance. With a range of guests from literary scholars to theater directors and historians, discussions are rich with insights into how Shakespeare's themes resonate with contemporary issues such as gender, power dynamics, and diversity in representation.

What sets this podcast apart is its emphasis on viewing Shakespeare through various lenses, whether it be the analysis of historical figures like Mary, Queen of Scots, or modern adaptations that reinterpret classical narratives. Listeners can expect in-depth conversations that not only celebrate Shak... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. The History of Literature
2. In Our Time
3. Close Readings
4. Hardcore Literature
5. Literature and History

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 10 years ago and published 291 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. Kate Loveman
2. Sam Bilton
3. Daniel Swift
4. Jade Scott
5. Stephen Greenblatt
6. Al Letson
7. Rosa Joshi
8. Patricia A. Matthew

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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