The prototype for every warring would-be lovers who have ever followed, Beatrice and Benedict tower over Much Ado About Nothing; just as Falstaff stole Hal's thunder, so too do Beatrice and Benedict steal the show from everyone else.
Read MoreIf anyone in Elizabethan times wrote Shakespearian fan fiction, it probably looks a lot like The Merry Wives of Windsor. Although half its cast has been stolen from the Henriad, the story doesn't quite fit within the chronology of those two plays, making it feel as if Shakespeare plucked his characters out of one universe and dropped them into another. Had he done this for the sake of a great play, all would be forgiven. Sadly, this is not the case.
Read MoreHenry IV Part Two is a messy and weak play that no theatrical producer would ever produce on its own. When it is produced, it is always in conjunction with its predecessor, making the play the theatrical equivalent of your favorite comic book sidekick. In Episode 16 of Shakespeare Unbard, Joel Fishbane discusses the problems with putting Sir John Falstaff at centre stage. Also, the show is summarize and Orson Wells' film Chimes at Midnight is discussed.
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Henry IV Part One sits as a touchstone in Shakespeare's career, his first glorious success and the means by which we can mark his development as a playwright. In Episode 15 of Shakespeare Unbard, Joel Fishbane explores how, with Henry IV Part One, Shakespeare the Artist truly arrives. Also, the play is summarized and several adaptations are discussed.
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Shakespeare Unbard is a podcast designed to get your excited about Shakespeare - but there's one play you should never get excited about. In Episode 14, Joel Fishbane discusses the many, many problems with "The Merchant of Venice".
Read MoreOf Shakespeare's ten plays about the English monarchy, King John stands out because it has nothing to do with anyone named Henry or Richard. Why did Shakespeare choose to write about King John and not, say, Henry III? In this episode of Shakespeare Unbard, Joel Fishbane examines this complicated play. Also: the show is summarized and two different productions are reviewed.
Read MoreHow do you solve a problem like Helena? In Episode 12 of Shakespeare Unbard, Joel Fishbane discusses the good and the bad about one of Shakespeare's most popular comedies. Also: the show gets a one minute summary and the 1999, 1968, and 1935 films are discussed.
Read MoreDespite popular opinion, there is nothing timeless about Romeo and Juliet - and the lovers are the least interesting part of the play. In Episode 11 of Shakespeare Unbard, Joel Fishbane examines the greatest love story ever told. Also: a one minute summary and reviews of the films by Baz Luhrman and Franco Zefferelli.
Read MoreRichard II is one of Shakespeare's greatest works and if it was put in the Colosseum with King Lear or Hamlet, the odds would be pretty even about which of them would win. In this episode of Shakespeare Unbard, Joel Fishbane examines this underrated masterpiece. Also: the show is summarized and a review of a production featuring David Tennant.
Read MoreThe Comedy of Errors may be an early comedy, but it is a sophisticated one and if you didn't have a timeline to look at, you might guess it was written by a writer at the top of his game.
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