Tony Award-winning Actor ANDRÉ DE SHIELDS joined host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, for a conversation focused on the ‘man more sinned against than sinning’, Shakespeare’s titular King Lear. Their discussion centers on Act 3 Scene 2—“Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks!”—exploring its language, politics, and the lasting impact of great storytelling. (2/1/2021)

Three-time Tony Award–winning director, producer, and writer JACK O’BRIEN joins host Nathan Winkelstein for a deep dive into the evolution of language and Shakespeare’s verse. From memory, O’Brien delivers Marc Antony’s famous speech from Act 3 Scene 1 of Julius Caesar — “O pardon me thou bleeding piece of earth,” — before unpacking the nuances of Shakespeare’s text, its rhythm, and its structure. Plus, he shares his unforgettable Middle English party trick!

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Appearing on stages all across the country and the Off-Broadway rialto, RAPHAEL NASH THOMPSON has built a sterling reputation as a brilliant actor in the classics. He joined host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull’s Associate Artistic Director, and special guest JESSE BERGER, Red Bull’s Founder and Artistic Director, for a conversation focused on Shakespeare’s Pericles. Thompson tackled the role of Gower in Red Bull Theater’s 2003 production. He reprised the role in 2016 at Theater for a New Audience under the direction of Trevor Nunn. Thompson read an except from Act 3 Prologue—“Now sleep yslackèd hath the rout;”—and joined in a discussion of the rewards and challenges of this unique Shakespeare play. (10/4/2021)

This event was part of PERICLES 2021 – a multi-faceted endeavor to provide an opportunity for our entire community to explore William Shakespeare’s Pericles – the founding production of Red Bull Theater (2003) – with BIPOC voices in our present moment.