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Artwork for Folger Shakespeare Library: Shakespeare Unlimited

Folger Shakespeare Library: Shakespeare Unlimited

Folger Shakespeare Library
Shakespeare
Hamlet
Disgust
Henry VIII
Will Somer
Antony and Cleopatra
Renaissance
Titus Andronicus
Transgender Identity
Court Fools
Othello
Dyslexia
Stand-Up Comedy
The Merchant Of Venice
Lady Macbeth
Shakespeare's First Folio
Tudor Court
Anne Boleyn
Arizona State University
Marathons

Home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare materials. Advancing knowledge and the arts. Discover it all at www.folger.edu. Shakespeare turns up in the most interesting places—not just literature and the stage, but science and social history as well. Our "Shakespeare Unlimited" podcast explores the fascinating and varied connections between Shakespeare, his works, and the world around us... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes288Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Arts

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Artwork for Folger Shakespeare Library: Shakespeare Unlimited

Latest Episodes

Hamnet, the acclaimed novel by Maggie O’Farrell, is now a major film. The story imagines the life and death of Shakespeare’s son, Hamnet, whose loss would later echo through one of his most famous tragedies, Hamlet. O’Farrell joins director and co-wr... more

YouTube

Before Shakespeare became a literary icon, he was a working writer trying to earn a living in an emerging and often precarious new industry. In The Dream Factory: London’s First Playhouse and the Making of William Shakespeare, Daniel Swift explores t... more

YouTube

Imprisoned for nearly 20 years by her cousin Queen Elizabeth I, Mary, Queen of Scots, fought her battles through words, sending and receiving coded letters hidden in books, garments, and even beer barrels. Historian Jade Scott, of the University of G... more

YouTube

Long before Shakespeare became a household name, there was Richard Burbage. As the first actor to play Hamlet, Macbeth, Richard III, and King Lear, Burbage helped define what it meant to be a Shakespearean actor. A commanding performer, he became one... more

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Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Daniel Swift
Author and Professor at Northeastern University
Northeastern University
Episode: London's First Playhouse and Shakespeare
Jade Scott
Historian affiliated with the University of Glasgow
University of Glasgow
Episode: Mary, Queen of Scots, with Jade Scott
Stephen Greenblatt
Renowned Shakespearean scholar and author of 'Dark Renaissance'
Havard University
Episode: Stephen Greenblatt on Christopher Marlowe
Al Letson
Journalist, actor, playwright, and host of the investigative podcast Reveal
Episode: Al Letson on his play Julius X
Rosa Joshi
a director and Associate Artistic Director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Episode: Director Rosa Joshi on Julius Caesar Today
Patricia A. Matthew
Associate professor of English at Montclair State University
Montclair State University
Episode: Reading Jane Austen in the 21st Century with Patricia A. Matthew
Simon Russell Beale
Acclaimed actor recognized for his work in Shakespearean roles
Royal Shakespeare Company
Episode: Simon Russell Beale on Shakespeare, from Hamlet to Titus
Angela McShane
Project organizer and expert on early modern ballads.
University of Warwick
Episode: Top Pop Songs of the 1600s
Christopher Marsh
Project organizer and specialist in ballads.
Queen's University Belfast
Episode: Top Pop Songs of the 1600s

Host

Farrah Kareem Cooper
Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library and host of Shakespeare Unlimited.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 1.2k ratings
  • Reading Jane Austen

    The author/editor/‘scholar’ seemed contemptuous of Jane Austen’s ongoing popularity

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    ?YouAsked?
    Australiaa month ago
  • Fantastic range and depth

    Had no idea what to expect when I clicked on the first episode I tried, but every time I listen I am struck by the range of subjects, the depth of its exploration, and the accessibility of how it’s all handled.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tony_Bananas
    United Statesa month ago
  • Excellent From The Very First

    Having recently discovered this wonderful podcast, I have been struck by how excellent it was from the very first episode. And that is saying a lot because it has been around for 10 years! Subject matter, guests, introductions and hosts are top notch and the production is such a high quality, it is truly exceptional. I really have to get to newly renovated library soon! Thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    KimTrahan
    United States3 months ago
  • “Give me excess of it!”

    As an English professor and lifelong lover of all things England and Shakespeare, Shakespeare Unlimited is an absolute gem. Each episode is engaging, thought-provoking, and expertly produced. The variety of topics keeps it fresh and endlessly fascinating—ranging from deep literary analysis to cultural history to performance to pop culture and beyond.

    Listening to this podcast feels like being back in graduate school, in the best possible way. It’s intellectually rich without being overwhelming,... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    DavidCLowery
    United States5 months ago
  • My favorite podcast by FAR

    So informative, engaging, and invigorating! Barbara is a phenomenal interviewer and I’ve learned so much from the excellent guests, about both Shakespeare and the world. I look forward to listening each week!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    T. Heater
    United States6 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The variety of subjects explored keeps the content fresh and intellectually stimulating, attracting both scholars and casual fans of the arts.
Critiques arise regarding the interview style of the host, indicating a desire for more engaging follow-up questions during guest segments.
Listeners appreciate the depth and accessibility of the discussions, often surprising themselves with how engaging and relevant the topics are.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#227
Canada/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#204
Netherlands/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#230
Israel/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Hamnet, with Chloe Zhao and Maggie O'Farrell
Q: What did you think when Chloe asked you and had you ever co-written anything before?
Maggie O'Farrell thought it was exciting to work with Chloe Zhao as she didn't want a traditional portrayal and desired a fresh perspective on the story.
Hamnet, with Chloe Zhao and Maggie O'Farrell
Q: Did you also have doubts about whether it would make a good film?
Chloé Zhao initially felt uncertain, thinking she wouldn't be the right fit to adapt the story about grief, especially as she doesn't have children.
London's First Playhouse and Shakespeare
Q: What was an Elizabethan apprenticeship, and why was it crucial?
It was a training system where young men would learn a trade under a master, allowing them to secure a profession after several years, which was vital for survival at the time.
London's First Playhouse and Shakespeare
Q: What was the dream that James Burbage had with his theatre?
James Burbage wanted to create a venue that would control performances and profit from them, marking the dawn of commercial theater.
London's First Playhouse and Shakespeare
Q: So is the economics of being an artist a preoccupation of yours, too?
It has been for some time; the reality is that it's quite difficult to build a life as a professional author.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Exploring the intricate connections between Shakespeare's works and the wider world, this podcast presents an eclectic mix of topics that touch on literature, theater, history, and cultural relevance. With a range of guests from literary scholars to theater directors and historians, discussions are rich with insights into how Shakespeare's themes resonate with contemporary issues such as gender, power dynamics, and diversity in representation.

What sets this podcast apart is its emphasis on viewing Shakespeare through various lenses, whether it be the analysis of historical figures like Mary, Queen of Scots, or modern adaptations that reinterpret classical narratives. Listeners can expect in-depth conversations that not only celebrate Shak... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. The History of Literature
2. In Our Time
3. History Extra podcast
4. Backlisted
5. Close Readings

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 10 years ago and published 288 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Daniel Swift
2. Jade Scott
3. Stephen Greenblatt
4. Al Letson
5. Rosa Joshi
6. Patricia A. Matthew
7. Simon Russell Beale
8. Angela McShane

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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