Shakespeare Theatre Company

STC -- Director David Muse on Julius Caesar

Mon, 7 Apr 2008 15:11:00 GMT

Director David Muse discusses his production of William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. As swift and enthralling as a political thriller, Julius Caesar portrays the life-and-death struggle for power in Rome. Fearing that Caesar's growing strength and ambitions threaten the Republic, a faction of politicians plots to assassinate him. But when Caesar is killed, chaos engulfs Rome. In Caesar, Brutus and Mark Antony, Shakespeare created three fascinating, dynamic characters. The productions runs April 27 to July 6, 2008, in the Shakespeare Theatre Company's Sidney Harman Hall (610 F St. NW).

STC - - Director Michael Kahn on Antony and Cleopatra

Mon, 7 Apr 2008 14:04:00 GMT

Director Michael Kahn discusses his production of William Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra. Featuring some of the most sublime poetry of love and loss ever written, Antony and Cleopatra is a dark portrait of an ill-fated love affair. The play begins almost a decade after the events of Julius Caesar, with civil unrest roiling imperial Rome. the aging Mark Antony, one of the empire's three rulers, lives a decadent life in Egypt, carousing with Queen Cleopatra. As Rome reasserts its claim on him, Antony struggles between his sense of duty and his love for Cleopatra. The production runs from April 26 through July 6, 2008, at the Shakespeare Theatre Company's Sidney Harman Hall (610 F St. NW).

STC Theological Discussion: Major Barbara

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 16:19:00 GMT

The Shakespeare Theatre Company's Theological Discussions provide audience members another lens through which to examine the plays of our season. This discussion explores George Bernard Shaw's Major Barbara in a discussion titled Blessed Are the Poor. The discussion features STC Literary Associate Akiva Fox with Reverend Roger A. Ferlo, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Lifetime Theological Education at Virginia Theological Seminary. The discussion was presented in conjunction with the Company's production of Major Barbara, which ran February 19 to March 23, 2008.

STC Windows on Major Barbara

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:54:00 GMT

The Shakespeare Theatre Company Windows program offers audience members background information on the play by inviting local scholars and members of the artistic staff to discuss their connections to the production. Discussion participants for Windows on Major Barbara included: STC Literary Associate Akiva Fox; Ethan McSweeny, director of Major Barbara; and Christopher Wheatley, Professor of English, Catholic University of America. The Company's production of Major Barbara ran February 19 to March 23, 2008.

STC -- Director Ethan McSweeny on Major Barbara

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:12:00 GMT

Director Ethan McSweeny discusses his production of George Bernard Shaw's Major Barbara. Full of Shaw"s signature shrewd, urbane wit, Major Barbara depicts timeless tensions between wealth and charity, government and religion, business and family. At the center of the play is the rebellious but naively idealistic Barbara Undershaft. A major with the Salvation Army, Barbara finds the foundation of her beliefs rocked when the charity accepts a donation from her long-estranged father, a millionaire arms dealer. Often called Shaw's greatest play, Major Barbara offers a provocative discourse on poverty, faith and justice, while entertaining us with vivid characters, intriguing plot twists and a hefty dose of pure fun. Ethan McSweeny returns for the first time since his production of The Persians, which The Washington Post proclaimed "stunning â acutely theatrical.â The production runs February 19 to March 23, 2008, at Sidney Harman Hall (610 F St. NW, Washington, D.C.).

STC Classics in Context -- Argonautika

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 15:50:00 GMT

The Shakespeare Theatre Company's Classics in Context program explores Argonautika. This podcast features STC Literary Associate Akiva Fox; Victoria Urubshurow, Associate Professor of Humanities, University of Maryland University College; and Joseph Scholten, Associate Professor of Classics, University of Maryland. The Company's production of Argonautika ran January 15 to March 2, 2008.

STC Windows on Argonautika

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 20:28:00 GMT

The Shakespeare Theatre Company's Windows program offers audience members background information on the play by inviting local scholars and members of the artistic staff to discuss their particular connection to the production. Discussion Participants for Windows on Argonautika were: STC Literary Manager Akiva Fox; Argonautika writer/director Mary Zimmerman; and Alexander Sens, Professor of Classics, Georgetown University. The Companyâs production of Argonautika runs January 15 to March 2, 2008.

STC -- Director Mary Zimmerman on Argonautika

Wed, 2 Jan 2008 17:00:00 GMT

Director Mary Zimmerman discusses her production of Argonautika, presented by the Shakespeare Theatre Company in association with McCarter Theatre Center, Berkeley Repertory Theatre and Lookingglass Theatre Company. With her signature style and eye for the epic, director Mary Zimmerman turns her talents to the spectacular tale of Jason and the Argonauts. In their quest for the Golden Fleece, Jason and his crew encounter a world of dangersâfrightening sea monsters, hypnotic water nymphs, wicked kings â and a young sorceress named Medea. Amid these fanciful adventures, Zimmerman ponders the nature of loss, love and leadership. Originally mounted by the Lookingglass Theatre Company, Argonautika received rave reviews in Chicago. The Chicago Tribune called it âsmart, fresh, endlessly imaginative and thoroughly enjoyable.â Zimmerman returns to the Shakespeare Theatre Company for the first time since her enchanting production of Pericles. The productions runs January 15 to March 2, 2008, at the Lansburgh Theatre (450 7th St. NW, Washington, D.C.).

STC Happenings -- The Historic Edward II vs. Marlowe's Edward II

Tue, 1 Jan 2008 19:11:00 GMT

Folger President Dr. Gail Kern Paster discusses historyâs Edward II and Christopher Marloweâs dramatic rendering of his life. This discussion was part of STC's Happenings at the Harman, a free lunchtime series featuring conversations and performances by some of the leading artists and thinkers of the day. The podcast was recorded on Wednesday, December 5, 2007, and was presented in conjunction with STC's Marlowe Mini-Festival, featuring productions of Tamburlaine and Edward II.

STC Windows on Shakespeare - The Taming of the Shrew

Tue, 1 Jan 2008 15:14:00 GMT

STC Literary Associate Akiva Fox

Rebecca Bayla Taichman, director of The Taming of the Shrew

Jonathan Gil Harris, Professor of English, George Washington University.

The Companyâs production of The Taming of the Shrew ran September 25 through November 25, 2007.

STC Classics in Context -- Christopher Marlowe

Sat, 22 Dec 2007 16:40:00 GMT

The Shakespeare Theatre Company's Classics in Context program explores playwright Christopher Marlowe in a discussion titled The Man of Fame. This podcast features STC Literary Associate Akiva Fox; Jennifer Paxton, Medieval Historian, Georgetown University; and Professor Marshall Grossman, Expert Renaissance Literature, University of Maryland. This discussion was presented in conjunction with the Companyâs Marlowe Repertory. Featuring productions of Christopher Marloweâs Tamburlaine and Edward II, the Marlowe Repertory ran October 27, 2007, through January 6, 2008.

STC Theological Discussion: Christopher Marlowe

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:47:00 GMT

The Shakespeare Theatre Company's Theological Discussions provide audience members another lens through which to examine the plays of our season. This discussion explores Christopher Marlowe's Tamburlaine in a discussion titled Tamburlaine: Scourge of God. The discussion features STC Literary Associate Akiva Fox and Reverend Roger A. Ferlo, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Lifetime Theological Education at Virginia Theological Seminary. The discussion was presented in conjunction with the Companyâs Marlowe Repertory. Featuring productions of Christopher Marloweâs Tamburlaine and Edward II, the Marlowe Repertory ran October 27, 2007, through January 6, 2008.

STC Classics in Context -- The Taming of the Shrew

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 22:14:00 GMT

Classics in Context explores the Shakespeare Theatre Company's production of The Taming of the Shrew in depth, as a literary text, a performance script and in production. Through the discussion, learn about production histories, social and cultural contexts, and approaches while examining the relevancy of the production in its own time and ours. Participants included:

Shakespeare Theatre Company Literary Associate Akiva Fox

Deborah Tannen, Professor of Linguistics, Georgetown University

Amy Froide, Associate Professor of History, University of Maryland Baltimore County

This production of The Taming of the Shrew ran from September 25 to November 25, 2007, at the Lansburgh Theatre (450 7th St. NW, Washington D.C.).

Why Marlowe Matters

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:20:00 GMT

Shakespeare Theatre Company Literary Associate Akiva Fox discusses how understanding the works of playwright Christopher Marlowe helps us understand the works of William Shakespeare.

This podcast was recorded as part of Meet the Cast for STC's productions of Marlowe's Tamburlaine and Edward II.

STC Meet the Cast -- Edward II

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:10:00 GMT

Director Gale Edwards discusses her production of the Shakespeare Theatre Company's Edward II. Deemed by many to be Marloweâs crowning achievement, Edward II features the playwrightâs most nuanced characters and some of his finest language. In the weak, stubborn character of Edward II, Marlowe created a compelling portrait of a flawed monarch. Though the son of a great general, Edward is an ineffectual king and, in the grips of a romantic obsession, fails to recognize the threats to his crown. As the play unfolds, Marlowe turns the doomed Edward into a more tragic figure, contrasting his plight with the ruthless nobles who depose him. Gale Edwards (Titus Andronicus, Richard III, Hamlet) returns to direct. The Washington Post described her production of Richard III as âcompulsively watchable ... restlessly inventive.â Wallace Acton returns for the first time since his 2003 performance as Richard III to play the title role. The production runs October 27, 2007, to January 6, 2008, at Sidney Harman Hall (610 F St. NW, Washington D.C.).

STC Meet the Cast -- Tamburlaine

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 21:59:00 GMT

Director Michael Kahn discusses his production of the Shakespeare Theatre Company's Tamburlaine. Marlowe's first play, Tamburlaine chronicles its hero's meteoric rise from humble origins to fearsome warrior and emperor of thousands. Tamburlaine desolates his adversaries, growing so ruthless that he marches on his belovedâs native country. With ravishing poetry, Marlowe ruminates on the corrupting influence of ambition and one manâs overwhelming desire for immortality. Tamburlaine exemplifies Marloweâs extravagant style, immense sense of pageantry and bold characters. Michael Kahn directs, calling up "the combination of stylization and raw force that has brought his productions of classics to towering lifeâ (The Washington Post). Avery Brooks returns to play the title role after his acclaimed portrayals of Othello and Oedipus. Franchelle Stewart Dorn returns for the first time since 2000 to play the Empress of Turkey. The production runs October 28, 2007, to January 6, 2008, in Sidney Harman Hall (610 F St. NW, Washington, D.C.).

STC Meet the Cast -- Taming of the Shrew

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:09:00 GMT

Director Rebecca Bayla Taichman discusses her production of the Shakespeare Theatre Company's The Taming of the Shrew.

With The Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare gives us the improbable courtship of the fiery-tongued Katherine by the arrogant Petruchio. But unlike Shakespeareâs other romantic comedies, the play does not stop with the wedding. Shakespeare considers the institution of marriage, the rifts between men and women, and the rough journey toward love. One of Shakespeareâs earliest and most popular comedies, The Taming of the Shrew bursts with disguise, deception and devilment.

September 25 to November 18, 2007

Lansburgh Theatre (450 7th St. NW, Washington D.C.)

STC Classics in Context - Hamlet

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 17:58:00 GMT

Explore the plays of the Shakespeare Theatre Company's season in depth, as literary texts, performance scripts and in production. Through discussions learn about production histories, social and cultural contexts, and approaches while examining the relevancy of the production in its own time and ours. Classics in Context seminars are scheduled throughout the season to enhance the experience of attending each production.

Participants included:

Joan Holmer, Professor, Georgetown University

Stephanie Kendall, Grief Counselor, The George Washington University

Akiva Fox, Literary Associate, Shakespeare Theatre Company

For more information on STC's production of Hamlet, click here.

STC Windows on Shakespeare - Hamlet

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 17:56:00 GMT

Windows offers a lively discussion and introduction to the current production on the Sunday afternoon of preview week. Windows discussions offer audience members background information on the play by inviting local scholars and members of the artistic staff to discuss their particular connection to the production. Discussion Participants for Windows on Shakespeare:

Akiva Fox, Literary Associate - Shakespeare Theatre CompanyMichael Mack - Professor, The Catholic University of AmericaAlexander Burns, Assistant Director, Hamlet

For more information on STC's production of Hamlet, click here.

STC First Rehearsal discussion - Hamlet

Tue, 5 Jun 2007 18:13:00 GMT

First Rehearsal for Hamlet. This event was recorded on April 24, 2007, at the Shakespeare Theatre Company's Rehearsal Hall in Washington, D.C. Participants included Shakespeare Theatre Company Artistic Director Michael Kahn and Hamlet costume deisgner Murrell Horton.

For more information on STC's production of Hamlet, click here.

STC - Windows on Shakespeare - Titus

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 17:47:00 GMT

Discussion Participants:

Akiva Fox, Literary Associate, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Denise Albanese, Associate Professor of English and Cultural Studies, George Mason University, Gale Edwards, Director, Titus Andronicus

STC First Rehearsal discussion - Titus Andronicus

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 14:24:00 GMT

This episode features the First Rehearsal for Titus Andronicus. This event was recorded on February 21, 2007 at the Shakespeare Theatre Company's Rehearsal Hall in Washington, D.C. Participants included Shakespeare Theatre Company Artistic Director Michael Kahn and Titus Andronicus director Gale Edwards.

For more information on STC's production of Titus Andronicus, click here.

STC Classics in Context - Richard III

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 23:32:00 GMT

Participants included:

Michael Houston, Psychoanalyst, Washington Center for Psychoanalysis

James Siemon, Professor, Boston University

Akiva Fox, Literary Associate, Shakespeare Theatre Company

For more information on STC's production of Richard III, click here.

STC First Rehearsal discussion - Richard III

Wed, 10 Jan 2007 18:13:00 GMT

This episode features the First Rehearsal for Richard III. This event was recorded on December 6, 2006, at the Shakespeare Theatre Companyâs Rehearsal Hall in Washington, D.C. Participants included Shakespeare Theatre Company Artistic Director Michael Kahn, Shakespeare Theatre Company Literary Associate Akiva Fox, Fight Choreogrpaher David Leong, Set Designer Lee Savage and Costume Designer Jennifer Moeller.

For more information on STC's production of Richard III, click here.

STC - Windows on Farquhar

Thu, 7 Dec 2006 16:17:00 GMT

Discussion Participants for Windows on Farquhar were:

Dawn McAndrews, Director of Education, discussion moderator

Akiva Fox, Literary Associate, Shakespeare Theatre Company

Stephen Fried, Resident Assistant Director, Shakespeare Theatre Company

Laura J. Rosenthal, Associate Professor of English at the University of Maryland - College Park

For more information on STC's production of The Beaux' Stratagem, click here.

STC - First Rehearsal Discussion - The Beaux' Stratagem

Wed, 11 Oct 2006 20:27:00 GMT

Welcome to the Shakespeare Theatre Companyâs podcast of First Rehearsal for The Beauxâ Stratagem. This event was recorded on September 27, 2006, at the Shakespeare Theatre Companyâs Rehearsal Hall in Washington, D.C. Participants included Shakespeare Theatre Company Artistic Director Michael Kahn, Shakespeare Theatre Company Literary Associate Akiva Fox, playwright Ken Ludwig and Tappan Wilder, Thornton Wilderâs nephew and literary estate executor.

For more information on STC's production of The Beaux' Stratagem, click here.

STC - Notes on George Farquhar

Wed, 11 Oct 2006 20:22:00 GMT

Akiva Fox, STC Literary Associate, discusses George Farquhar and The Beaux' Stratagem.

STC - Windows on Ibsen

Wed, 27 Sep 2006 22:36:00 GMT

Discussion Participants for Windows on Ibsen were:

Dawn McAndrews, Director of Education, discussion moderator

Akiva Fox, Literary Associate

Kjetil Bang-Hansen, Director An Enemy of the People

Click here for more information on An Enemy of the People.