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The Play's the Thing

Teaching Shakespeare

Teaching Shakespeare: Why do so many students hate Shakespeare? Probably because the way his plays are taught. Let's get out of our desks and onto a stage! Tim talks to two guests about why performing is the key to understanding and loving Shakespeare.

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  • Julius Caesar: Act V (rerun)

    01:14:57|
    This episode is brought to you The Classic Learning Test - a fantastic alternative to the ACT and SAT. Learn more at cltexam.com.Welcome back to The Play's the Thing, where we're working through Shakespeare one act at a time. Today Heidi, Brian, and Matt discuss Act V of Julius Caesar, focusing on the nature of tragedy, Shakespearean chiastic structures, and whether Brutus died a hero.Remember: Subscribe, rate, review!
  • Julius Caesar: Act IV (rerun)

    01:07:58|
    Welcome back to The Play's the Thing, where Heidi, Matt, and Brian discussing Julius Caesar. This episode is all about act IV and topics of conversation include the shifting dynamics in the aftermath of Caesar's death + suicide, failed rhetoric, and the tension between conspirators.Remember: subscribe, rate, review!
  • Julius Caesar: Act III (rerun)

    01:11:39|
    Welcome back to The Play's the Thing where we're talking Shakespeare one act at a time. This week, Heidi, Matt, and Brian discuss Julius Caesar, Act III. There's lots of speech-making in this act so, yeah, they discuss that. And ambiguous characters. And whether stabbing Caesar was justified. And the enigma of Mark Antony. And more. Enjoy!
  • Julius Caesar: Act II (rerun)

    01:09:17|
    Welcome back to The Play's the Thing where contributors from the Close Reads Podcast Network discuss Shakespeare's canon one act at a time. In this episode, Heidi White, Matt Bianco, and Brian Phillips continue discussion of Julius Caesar, with discussion touching on friendship, brooding, what makes rhetoric effective, and why men involved in political conspiracies should listen to their wives.
  • Julius Caesar: Act I (rerun)

    01:14:22|
    Welcome back to The Play's the Thing. In this episode, Heidi White, Matt Bianco, and Brian Phillips kick off conversation on Julius Caesar, focusing on Act I. Conversation touches on why highschoolers should read this play, the historical context of the play, proper and improper rhetoric, whether Cassius is the devil, and much more.Remember: subscribe, rate, review!
  • Much Ado About Nothing: Act 5 (rerun)

    01:29:44|
    Join Andrew Kern and Angelina Stanford for the conclusion of their discussion about Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing.If you like this show remember to subscribe, rate, and review. Support us on Patreon!To learn more about the Close Reads Podcast Network please click here.
  • Much Ado About Nothing: Act 4 (rerun)

    01:14:32|
    In this episode of The Play's the Thing, Andrew Kern and Angelina Stanford discuss Act IV of Much Ado About Nothing.
  • Much Ado About Nothing: Act 3 (rerun)

    01:14:42|
    Welcome back to The Play's the Thing where Andrew Kern and Angelina Stanford are discussing Act 3 of Much Ado About Nothing. Conversation touches on how the play would have come off in Shakespeare's day, the way Shakespeare plays with verse/prose depending on the status of the character, the theme is self-deception and self-knowledge, the famous scene of deception, and much more.This episode is brought to you by our friends at St. John's College - the perfect place for lovers of Shakespeare to take their next academic steps.If you like this podcast, subscribe, rate, review, and click here to sign up for the Close Reads email newsletter.
  • Much Ado About Nothing: Act 2 (rerun)

    01:14:50|
    Welcome to The Play's the Thing, a podcast dedicated to an ongoing examination and celebration of Shakespeare's entire canon. In this episode, Angelina, and Andrew discuss Act II of Much Ado About Nothing.This episode is brought to you our friends at St. John's College - the perfect place for lovers of Shakespeare to take their next academic steps.If you like this podcast, subscribe, rate, review, and click here to sign up for the Close Reads email newsletter.