In today's episode, we are kicking off our series on William Shakespeare's Hamlet by giving you a synopsis of this looong play. In addition to covering the plot points you'll likely remember if you've seen or read this play before (like "to be or not to be," "alas poor Yorick!" etc.), we also make sure to cover the geopolitical subplots that can get cut or skipped. Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp. Note: When this episode was recorded, Kourtney Smith ...
Jun 22, 2022•1 hr 25 min
We are so excited to be sharing this episode with you. This week, we are sitting down for a conversation with Sir Jonathan Bate and Eric Rasmussen about their recently released second edition of the Royal Shakespeare Company's Complete Works of William Shakespeare, now available at a fine bookseller near you. The newly revised, wonderfully authoritative First Folio of William Shakespeare’s Complete Works, edited by acclaimed Shakespearean scholars and endorsed by the world-famous Royal Shakespea...
Jun 08, 2022•59 min
Our time with King Lear has come to an end! This week, we will be discussing two major film adaptations and whether or not we feel they are worth watching: Trevor Nunn's 2008 film adaptation of the Royal Shakespeare Company production, starring Ian McKellen, and Richard Eyre's 2018 film produced for Amazon Studios, starring Antony Hopkins. We'll also talk a little about a few other significant productions and adaptations. Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sh...
May 25, 2022•56 min
Shakespeare features food all over his plays--he even names characters after food! Today, we are diving into the culinary landscape of Early Modern England and learning more about the foods (and foodies) of the time. Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp. Note: When this episode was recorded, Kourtney Smith was "Korey Leigh Smith". Episode written and researched by Elyse Sharp and Kourtney Smith. Music is "Neverending Minute" by Sounds Like Sander. Follow ...
May 11, 2022•23 min
It is often said of King Lear that if an actor has the stamina to play the titular role, they don't have the age, but if they have the age, they don't have the stamina. With this in mind, we are taking a look at Early Modern perceptions and beliefs surrounding aging and old age, how aging and old age is represented in the text of King Lear , and how it has been portrayed on stage. Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp. Note: When this episode was recorded,...
Apr 27, 2022•54 min
In this week's mini-episode, we are taking a slight departure from the plays of William Shakespeare to look at another play, Gallatea by John Lyly. We are joined in conversation by Dr. Simone Chess of Wayne State University to discuss the play's significance in Early Modern Queer and Trans Studies. This episode is an excerpt from our longer discussion. If you'd like to hear more, we will be sharing the full conversation with our Patreon patrons. Join our Patreon community at www.patreon.com/shak...
Apr 13, 2022•29 min
This is part two of our series on the intersection between Shakespeare's works and Mental Health and Disability. In this episode, we dive into how individuals at the forefront of the early field of psychiatry used Shakespeare's works, including King Lear , to develop treatments for their patients. Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp. Note: When this episode was recorded, Kourtney Smith was using the stage name "Korey Leigh Smith". Music is "Neverending M...
Mar 30, 2022•51 min
In today's episode, we are continuing our series on Shakespeare's Language Framework by looking at his sonnets! In addition to his plays, Shakespeare also wrote 154 sonnets. What are they and can they tell us anything about the man behind the plays? Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp. Note: When this episode was recorded, Kourtney Smith was "Korey Leigh Smith". Episode written and researched by Elyse Sharp. Music is "Neverending Minute" by Sounds Like S...
Mar 16, 2022•18 min
This episode is part one of a two part series where we will be looking at the representations of mental health and disability in Shakespeare's King Lear . First, in this week's episode, we will be discussing mental health and disability in Shakespeare's time, specifically early modern treatment of what we would now describe as mental illness, neurodiversity, and disability. Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp. Note: When this episode was recorded, Kourtn...
Mar 02, 2022•49 min
In today's episode, we are exploring the first official publications of Shakespeare's plays: the quartos and the first Folio. What even is a quarto versus a folio? Let's find out! Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp. Note: When this episode was recorded, Kourtney Smith was "Korey Leigh Smith". Episode written and researched by Kourtney Smith. Music is "Neverending Minute" by Sounds Like Sander. Follow us on Instagram at @shakespeareanyonepod for updates ...
Feb 16, 2022•23 min
In this week's episode, we are taking a look at how the patriarchal society and patrilineal anxieties of early modern English society influenced the sexist representations of gender in Shakespeare's King Lear, and how much further more recent productions have comes in terms of representation...or not. Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp. Note: When this episode was recorded, Kourtney Smith was using the stage name "Korey Leigh Smith". Music is "Neverendi...
Feb 02, 2022•49 min
There's so much to talk about with each play that doesn't fit into the synopsis or into its own episode, so we've decided to cover several topics in this episode. In this episode, we discuss major thematic elements in Shakespeare's King Lear as well as topics that are usually covered or talked about in reference to this play. Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp. Note: When this episode was recorded, Kourtney Smith was "Korey Leigh Smith". Music is "Never...
Jan 19, 2022•29 min
Let's start diving into a play that is widely considered to be one of Shakespeare's best: King Lear. First up, as always, let's review the plot with a synopsis. Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp. Note: When this episode was recorded, Kourtney Smith was "Korey Leigh Smith". Episode written by Elyse Sharp and Kourtney Smith. Music is "Neverending Minute" by Sounds Like Sander. Follow us on Instagram at @shakespeareanyonepod for updates or visit our websi...
Jan 05, 2022•1 hr 2 min
Quick annoucement time! We are launching a Patreon! Patreon patrons will get access to exclusive bonus content throughout the year. The link is also in the episode description. -- Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Korey Leigh Smith and Elyse Sharp. Music is "Neverending Minute" by Sounds Like Sander. Follow us on Instagram at @shakespeareanyonepod for updates or visit our website at shakespeareanyone.com You can support the podcast at patreon.com/shakespeareanyone...
Jan 05, 2022•57 sec
Before we dive into our next play, we are taking the time to revisit both of the plays we covered this year. For this episode, we re-read Twelfth Night and will be discussing what we noticed in the reading and what was different for us after spending six months researching and studying the play. Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp. Note: When this episode was recorded, Kourtney Smith was "Korey Leigh Smith". Music is "Neverending Minute" by Sounds Like S...
Dec 22, 2021•21 min
Before we dive into our next play, we are taking the time to revisit both of the plays we covered this year. For this episode, we re-read Macbeth and will be discussing what we noticed in the reading and what was different for us after spending six months researching and studying the play. Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp. Note: When this episode was recorded, Kourtney Smith was using the stage name "Korey Leigh Smith". Music is "Neverending Minute" b...
Dec 08, 2021•25 min
In recognition of the National Day of Mourning/Thanksgiving holiday in the United States, we are exploring how the "Age of Exploration" and Colonial Imagination in Early Modern England influenced Shakespeare's works--specifically The Tempest . Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp. Note: When this episode was recorded, Kourtney Smith was "Korey Leigh Smith". Episode written and researched by Kourtney Smith. Music is "Neverending Minute" by Sounds Like Sand...
Nov 24, 2021•23 min
To wrap up our deep dive into Shakespeare's Twelfth Night , we are bringing things full circle by examining the 00's teen classic movie that introduced both of us (and many others) to the plot of Twelfth Night: She's the Man , starring Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum. Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp. Note: When this episode was recorded, Kourtney Smith was using the stage name "Korey Leigh Smith". Music is "Neverending Minute" by Sounds Like Sander. ...
Nov 10, 2021•1 hr 7 min
In today's mini-episode, we are talking all about Christopher Marlowe, one of Shakespeare's contemporaries. We'll talk about what is known about this mysterious playwright's life as well as the legends that surround him! Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp. Note: When this episode was recorded, Kourtney Smith was "Korey Leigh Smith". Episode written and researched by Kourtney Smith. Music is "Neverending Minute" by Sounds Like Sander. Follow us on Instag...
Oct 27, 2021•23 min
In today's episode, we are exploring the character of Malvolio by diving into the history of the Puritan Movement in Early Modern England. Because Malvolio is described throughout the play as a Puritan, we will examine what a contemporary understanding of Puritanism would have added to the play (and especially that letter scene) for Shakespeare's audiences. Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp. Note: When this episode was recorded, Kourtney Smith was usin...
Oct 13, 2021•56 min
In today's episode, we are talking about what might be the most famous theatre in the English-speaking world: The Globe Theatre, and what we know about what it would be like to be an audience member seeing a Shakespeare play at The Globe. Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp. Note: When this episode was recorded, Kourtney Smith was "Korey Leigh Smith". Episode written and researched by Kourtney Smith. Music is "Neverending Minute" by Sounds Like Sander. F...
Sep 29, 2021•23 min
Where did Shakespeare get his jokes? In today's episode, we dive into the comedic tropes Shakespeare uses in the plot of Twelfth Night and where they came from. Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp. Note: When this episode was recorded, Kourtney Smith was "Korey Leigh Smith". Music is "Neverending Minute" by Sounds Like Sander. Follow us on Instagram at @shakespeareanyonepod for updates or visit our website at shakespeareanyone.com Works referenced: Brita...
Sep 15, 2021•50 min
In today’s episode, we’ll be covering cross-dressing in early modern England. Shakespeare depicts cross-dressing in multiple plays, but what was the contemporary cultural context? We'll dive into early modern reactions to cross-dressing both onstage and off and how Shakespeare uses cross-dressing as a plot device across his plays. Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp. Note: When this episode was recorded, Kourtney Smith was "Korey Leigh Smith". Episode wr...
Sep 01, 2021•23 min
In today's episode, we explore Shakespeare's Twelfth Night through the lens of Gender and Queer Theory. We take a look at how Early Modern concepts of gender and queerness may have influenced the writing of Twelfth Night and how modern productions use the play to explore themes related to gender and queer identity. In the second half of the episode, we are joined by our first ever guest of the pod, Dr. Sawyer Kemp to continue our discussion on Gender and Queer Theory. Dr. Sawyer Kemp (they/them)...
Aug 18, 2021•1 hr 22 min
In today’s mini-episode, we are exploring Shakespeare’s Language Framework. In this episode, we will discuss technical elements of how Shakespeare plays were written, as well as provide tips and tricks for navigating what can be a major hurdle to reading and performing Shakespeare: the text itself. How do you actually start to understand what is written on the page? We dive into the clues that can be found by looking at the syllables in each of Shakespeare's lines. Shakespeare Anyone? is created...
Aug 04, 2021•18 min
Scholars know that Shakespeare's Twelfth Night was performed at court. But what does that mean? In today's episode, we're diving into what producing a play at court looked like for Shakespeare and his contemporaries as well as how performing at court influenced characters and themes of plays like Twelfth Night. Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp. Note: When this episode was recorded, Kourtney Smith was using the stage name "Korey Leigh Smith". Music is ...
Jul 21, 2021•49 min
In this episode, we will go over the major themes of Twelfth Night and touch on topics we will cover in depth in future episodes as well as any fun facts. Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp. Note: When this episode was recorded, Kourtney Smith was using the stage name "Korey Leigh Smith". Music is "Neverending Minute" by Sounds Like Sander. Follow us on Instagram at @shakespeareanyonepod for updates or visit our website at shakespeareanyone.com Works Re...
Jul 07, 2021•32 min
It's time to dive into our second play! To cleanse our palates of the murder and mayhem of Macbeth , we are switching to one of Shakespeare's comedies: Twelfth Night ! As with Macbeth, we are starting off with a summary of the action in the play--just in case it has been a while since you've read the play or if you are unfamiliar with it. Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp. Note: When this episode was recorded, Kourtney Smith was "Korey Leigh Smith". Ep...
Jun 23, 2021•51 min
We can hardly believe it, but here it is: our final episode in our Macbeth series (for now)! Before moving on to our next play, we wanted to cover how Macbeth has been adapted for stage and screen and how the myth of the hero turned tyrant continues to shape our world narratives. Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp. Note: When this episode was recorded, Kourtney Smith was using the stage name "Korey Leigh Smith". Music is "Neverending Minute" by Sounds L...
Jun 09, 2021•1 hr 22 min
Ever wonder where Shakespeare got his inspiration or ideas for plays? In this episode, we explore the history behind one of Shakespeare's major sources for many of his plays: Holinshed's Chronicles . Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp. Note: When this episode was recorded, Kourtney Smith was "Korey Leigh Smith". Episode written and researched by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp. Our theme music is "Neverending Minute" by Sounds Like Sander. Works Referenc...
May 26, 2021•21 min
