Author Archives: theshakespeareminute

Shrewsbury Revisited

http://blip.tv/cassius614/the-battle-of-shrewsbury-historically-6264166

Tomorrow, July 21st, is the 609th anniversary of the Battle of Shrewsbury. In honor of the battle, and in keeping with the Henriad themes I have going while The Hollow Crown airs, here is a discussion of the actual historical record of Shrewsbury and the level of factual accuracy and inclusion Shakespeare was (and wasn’t) able to bring to “Henry IV Part I”, the play in which the battle is featured.

Here is an informative, concise description of the historical record of the battle, I particularly recommend the “related document” on this page: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/caring/listing/battlefields/battle-of-shrewsbury

And here is my Memorial Day special about Shakespeare’s Shrewsbury: https://theshakespeareminute.org/2012/05/27/shakespeares-greatest-battle/

Shakespeare’s Themes: End of a Tragedy

http://blip.tv/cassius614/shakespeare-themes-end-of-a-tragedy-6256117

While Shakespeare tragedies often kill off many of the relevant characters, those left behind to lead the way into the future are interesting too. Here is a discussion of three characters who are raised to power by the end of their respective tragedies: Lucius (Titus Andronicus), Malcolm (Macbeth), and Fortinbras (Hamlet).

And, with a much pithier statement on the end of tragedies than I could ever muster, here is TheGeekyBlonde’s Hamlet, which ends with her Fortinbras summing up how Shakespeare ends his tragedies. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mHQ8te8Rfk

Shakespeare Speeches: Prince Hal

http://blip.tv/cassius614/shakespeare-speeches-prince-hal-6251942

In “Henry IV Part I”, on my mind from the “Hollow Crown” airing its adaptation of the play last weekend, Prince Hal lays out his bizarre plan for ascending to kingship and respect. In this video, I discuss Prince Hal and his how he becomes Henry V, with a particular focus on the “I know you all” speech from the beginning of “Henry IV Part I”.

The link to the PBAB review is here: http://pursuedbyabear.net/pbab/1337/!

Shakespeare Speaks: Nature, Art, and Fortune

http://blip.tv/cassius614/shakespeare-speaks-nature-art-and-fortune-6244570

Shakespeare uses these familiar words in often unfamiliar ways – what do “nature”, “art”, and “fortune” really mean, and how do they relate to each other? Episode 2 of Shakespeare Speaks digs into these questions!

Shakespeare Themes: Richard II Title Drama

http://blip.tv/cassius614/shakespeare-themes-richard-ii-title-drama-6240358

In Shakespeare’s “Richard II,” on my mind due to the recent airing of “The Hollow Crown”‘s adaptation of the play, there are many moments where one character will critique another’s use of names or titles. “What did you just call me” seems to be a sentiment common to these moments, and there’s a very plot-relevant reason why, as I explore in this episode of “Shakespeare Themes”.

Beyond the Bard: The Spanish Tragedy

http://blip.tv/cassius614/beyond-the-bard-the-spanish-tragedy-6233120

I go beyond the bard to bring you a Shakespeare-era tragedy, “The Spanish Tragedy” by Thomas Kyd. This play heavily influenced “Titus Andronicus” and “Hamlet”, and is one heavy hitting revenge drama of epic proportions.

Major Character List, in case you want a cheat-sheet:
Hieronimo: Father to Horatio, Lord Marshal of Spain and protagonist
Lorenzo: Brother to Bel-imperia, nephew to the king of Spain and villain
Bel-imperia: Sister to Lorenzo, former lover of the deceased Andrea and now lover of Horatio, niece to the king of Spain, and our heroine

Horatio: Hieronimo’s son, murdered by Lorenzo, lover to Bel-imperia and friend to Andrea
Balthazar: Prince of Portugal, living in Spain since his capture in the war. Loves Bel-imperia, it is unrequited. Also a villain
Andrea: Died in the war, back to watch the mayhem. Friend of Horatio and former lover of Bel-imperia.

Pictures shown are of the Hyperion Shakespeare Company production of “The Spanish Tragedy” from 2010, which I had the pleasure of directing.
**Pictures by Annie McGrath, producer on the show.
For the rest of the show info: http://www.hyperionshakespeare.org/the-spanish-tragedy.html

Text of the play: http://www.elizabethanauthors.org/span1.htm
Youtube with Derek Jacobi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDuvqnsKXl8

Shakespeare Themes: Late Plays

http://blip.tv/cassius614/shakespeare-themes-late-plays-6230823

I half-seriously talk through the late plays: Cymbeline, The Winter’s Tale, The Tempest, Pericles, and Two Noble Kinsmen, and the themes that recur in them. What kind of world is Shakespeare going for here? This is a general overview, and more detail is forthcoming in later episodes.

Shakespeare’s Themes: Hamlet’s Truth Tests

http://blip.tv/cassius614/shakespeare-themes-hamlet-s-truth-tests-6221101

Why does Hamlet confide in Horatio and not anyone else? Here’s my theory! Also, NYC’ers, here’s the company that performed the production of Hamlet that inspired me to re-examine this particular set of related moments in the play that add up to Hamlet and Horatio’s unique relationship. Take a peek, it’s a company very worth checking out. http://www.theshakespeareforum.org/

Shakespeare Recommends: I Hate Hamlet

http://blip.tv/cassius614/shakespeare-recommends-i-hate-hamlet-6216791

Today Cassius profiles Paul Rudnick’s hilarious 1991 send-up of Shakespeare’s epic tragedy, the story of a young actor named Andy Rally who has to learn to love the Bard.

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/I-Hate-Hamlet-Paul-Rudnick/dp/0822205467/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340336660&sr=8-1&keywords=i+hate+hamlet

John Barrymore: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Barrymore