Acclaimed stage and screen actor TEAGLE F. BOUGERE joins host Nathan Winkelstein for a deeply personal conversation about one of William Shakespeare’s most moving late plays, The Winter’s Tale. Currently appearing in his fourth Shakespeare in the Park production, directed by Daniel Sullivan, Bougere reads Camillo’s Act 1, Scene 2 monologue — “O miserable lady! But, for me, What case stand I in?” — before reflecting on the play’s extraordinary emotional power. Together, they explore why The Winter’s Tale remains one of Bougere’s favorite plays, from its rare vision of redemption and second chances to its profound meditation on grief, forgiveness, and the hope of seeing loved ones again. They also discuss Bougere’s approach to paraphrasing Shakespeare and the surprising connections between The Winter’s Tale, Macbeth, and their own lives.

Obie Award–winning director, revered educator, and Richard Rodgers Dean and Director of the Drama Division at The Juilliard School, EVAN YIONOULIS joins host Nathan Winkelstein for a riveting conversation about one of William Shakespeare’s most under-explored plays, King John. Yionoulis reads Constance’s famous speech from Act 3, Scene 4 — “Thou art not holy to belie me so. I am not mad.” — sparking a rich discussion on the play’s political tensions, emotional depth, and startling resonance with today’s world. Together, they unpack the history behind the drama, its complexities, and why it still matters now.

Distinguished actor and educator SHIRINE BABB joins host Nathan Winkelstein for a conversation about inhabiting the formidable Margaret of Anjou from Shakespeare’s Henry VI and Richard III. Babb delivers the iconic “molehill” speech from Henry VI, Part III, Act I, Scene IV — “What, was it you that would be England’s king?” — and unpacks her process: a rigorous cross-examination of Margaret’s historical reality alongside Shakespeare’s portrayal, tracing their points of alignment to arrive at a deeply rich and fully realized character.