The Play's the Thing

CiRCE Podcast Network

The Play's the Thing is the ultimate podcast resource for lovers of Shakespeare. Dedicating six episodes to each play (one per act, plus a Q&A episode), this podcast explores the themes, scenes, characters, and lines that make Shakespeare so memorable. In the end, we will cover every play The Bard wrote, thus permitting an ongoing contemplation and celebration of the most important writer of all time. Join us.

The Play’s the Thing is presented by The CiRCE Podcast Network.

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Top 10 The Play's the Thing Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Play's the Thing episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Play's the Thing for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Play's the Thing episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Antony and Cleopatra

The Play's the Thing

12/01/23 • 60 min

A sequel to Julius Caesar, starring two of the most immature lovers of all time. Or maybe they're mature shape-shifters? Sarah-Jane Bentley makes her case.

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Philosophy and Shakespeare with Dr. Peter Adamson

The Play's the Thing

11/18/23 • 61 min

We're joined by Dr. Peter Adamson who hosts the podcast, "The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps." Discussed: What was the most pressing philosophical question of Shakespeare’s day? Plus, we pick our favorite Shakespearean villains!

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How to Become a Word-Coining Genius

The Play's the Thing

11/10/23 • 62 min

William Shakespeare created over 1,700 words. This talk explores how his education helped him invent new words and will give volunteers an opportunity to construct new words.

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Shakespeare on Leadership

The Play's the Thing

11/03/23 • 39 min

Shakespeare obsessed over kings and queens and how they ruled. What can we learn from bad kings (like Richard III) and good kings (like Henry V)?

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Titus Andronicus

The Play's the Thing

10/27/23 • 53 min

A warning: Don't listen with kids in the car. Shakespeare's bloodiest play includes 14 killings, 6 severed limbs, a rape, a live burial, a case of insanity, and an act of cannibalism. Um, Happy Halloween?

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Show Preview: Othello - Episode 1 - Marks Set Against Me

The Play's the Thing

10/20/23 • 37 min

A rich young man named Roderigo rages in anger at Iago when he learns that the woman he’s been pining for (and paying Iago to help him win), Desdemona, has just married Othello, a General who Iago reluctantly serves. Iago tells Roderigo that he hates Othello for promoting Michael Cassio to the rank of Lieutenant over him. Together, they go to the house of Desdemona’s father, Brabantio, to tell him that his daughter has been stolen by Othello. Not wanting his hatred of Othello to be known, Iago steals away before Brabantio sees him. Later, as Iago sits with Othello at his lodgings, Michael Cassio arrives with a message from the Duke informing Othello that he’s needed to help fend off an imminent attack by the Turkish fleet. Brabantio arrives at the Duke’s palace at the same time as Othello and publicly accuses him of stealing his daughter. Othello defends himself by speaking honestly of how he won Desdemona’s affection with tales of his adventures. Desdemona enters to defend her choice in marriage and tells her father before the Duke that her allegiance is to Othello. The Duke is sympathetic to the couple and agrees to consider Desdemona’s request that she be allowed to accompany Othello on his voyage to defend Cyprus against the Turks. The Play On Podcast series, “OTHELLO”, was written by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE and translated into modern English verse by MFONISO UDOFIA. “OTHELLO” is produced by NEXT CHAPTER PODCASTS and is made possible by the generous support of THE HITZ FOUNDATION. Go to PlayOnShakespeare.org to learn more. Subscribe to Play On Premium on Apollo Plus for ad-free episodes and join our Patreon for exclusive merchandise, commercial-free early releases and bonus content videos. And remember: “BEWARE OF JEALOUSY”.

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Timon of Athens

The Play's the Thing

10/13/23 • 40 min

Wealthy and popular, Timon of Athens helps friends, gives presents, and holds a feast. But when he runs out of money, none of his friends help. He runs away to a cave, curses humanity, finds gold, funds the destruction of Athens, and dies. Yup. That's the plot. Zoloft anyone?

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Henry VI: Parts 1, 2, 3

The Play's the Thing

10/06/23 • 61 min

What happens when every nobleman in the kingdom wants the throne except the man who’s on the throne? The Henry VI trilogy shows us. Buckle up for battles, a cameo by Joan of Arc, more battles, and a wife raising an army against her husband, and a rosey civil war.

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Richard III: Act V

The Play's the Thing

09/29/23 • 56 min

Before the battle, the ghosts. All of Richard's victims come to haunt him. Will he look back on his life and repent? And, at the end, how much will he give for a horse?

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The Comedy of Errors

The Play's the Thing

12/08/23 • 55 min

Shakespeare's most confusing play? Twins, separated after a shipwreck, both named Antipholus. Their servants, also separated by shipwreck, both named Dromio. End of the pod: a one-minute Hallmark reel by Pharbeaux.

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FAQ

How many episodes does The Play's the Thing have?

The Play's the Thing currently has 164 episodes available.

What topics does The Play's the Thing cover?

The podcast is about Literature, Fiction, Drama, Shakespeare, Theater, Podcasts, Books and Arts.

What is the most popular episode on The Play's the Thing?

The episode title 'Antony and Cleopatra' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on The Play's the Thing?

The average episode length on The Play's the Thing is 62 minutes.

How often are episodes of The Play's the Thing released?

Episodes of The Play's the Thing are typically released every 7 days, 14 hours.

When was the first episode of The Play's the Thing?

The first episode of The Play's the Thing was released on Nov 23, 2017.

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The Play's the Thing

CiRCE Podcast Network

Top 10 The Play's the Thing Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does The Play's the Thing have?

What topics does The Play's the Thing cover?

What is the most popular episode on The Play's the Thing?

What is the average episode length on The Play's the Thing?

How often are episodes of The Play's the Thing released?

When was the first episode of The Play's the Thing?

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