Actor MCKINLEY BELCHER III joins host Nathan Winkelstein for a conversation about William Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus and the enduring power of one of Shakespeare’s most brutal tragedies. Focusing on Aaron’s speech in Act 5, Scene 1 —“Ay, that I had not done a thousand more.” — they explore the character’s unapologetic embrace of villainy, his place in a world consumed by revenge, and the complexities of bringing such a notorious figure to life. They consider what makes Titus Andronicus so viscerally compelling, how its cycles of violence and retribution resonate with our own moment, and what happens when we look beyond the play’s bloodshed to confront the humanity of its characters.

Director of Programming and Performance at the Folger Shakespeare Library, and Artistic Director of Folger Theatre, KAREN ANN DANIELS joins host Nathan Winkelstein for a deeply personal conversation about William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. They delve into the play’s iconic “Kill Claudio” speech in Act 4, Scene 1, Daniels’ own “gateway drug” to Shakespeare, and her enduring connection to his work. Daniels and Winkelstein explore Shakespeare’s leading women, the ways they navigate — and push against — their societal roles, and the complicated realities of being a woman in the world. They discuss the friendship between Beatrice and Hero, the pressures of social status and relationships, and Daniels’ playful approach to Shakespeare. Along the way, they consider how theater can expand our sense of what is possible—and why Daniels saw so much possibility in Beatrice.

Celebrated Shakespearean actor and Red Bull stalwart MATTHEW RAUCH joined host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN for a conversation about Shakespeare’s first great villain, Richard III. Rauch performs Richard’s iconic Act 5 Scene 3 speech—“Give me another horse! Bind up my wounds!”—and explores the unseen side of this notorious king. (7/6/2020)

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.

One of classical theater’s great power couples, ROBERT CUCCIOLI & LAILA ROBINS, joined host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, for a lively conversation centered on Shakespeare’s own iconic pair, Antony and Cleopatra. Focusing on the Act 1 Scene 3 quarrel—“I am sick and sullen”—they explored the dynamics of the scene and reflected on their experiences working together. (3/1/2021)

Renowned director and teacher CARL COFIELD — Chair of the NYU Grad Acting Program and Associate Artistic Director of the Classical Theatre of Harlem — joins host Nathan Winkelstein for a deep dive into how a director approaches the tragedy of Macbeth. Cofield recites the iconic “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow” speech from Act V, Scene 5 and they discuss his text-driven vision, his take on Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s complex dynamic, and how personal experience shapes artistic interpretation.