Red Bull Theater Podcast

The Renaissance man of American theater, AUSTIN PENDLETON, joins host Nathan Winkelstein for an insightful conversation exploring his multifaceted experiences with Shakespeare—as an actor, director, playwright, and teacher. Pendleton delivers a stirring reading of Hamlet's monologue from Act 2 Scene 2 — “O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I!” — setting the stage for a lively exchange. Together, they delve into their differing perspectives on interpreting the Bard's works, sparring playfully over the challenges and joys of bringing Shakespeare to life. *Guest opinions are their own and do not reflect the views of Red Bull Theater.

ISMENIA MENDES joined host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull's Associate Artistic Director, for a conversation focused on Lady Macbeth–a role that she played to great acclaim in our 2019 production of MAC BETH. They discussed the challenges and rewards of playing one of Shakespeare's most iconic leading women and she read an excerpt of Act 1 Scene 7: "Was the hope drunk wherein you dressed yourself?". (5/9/2022)

We are kicking off our second season of the RED BULL THEATER PODCAST with the return of the first ever guest of the beloved RemarkaBULL Podversations, the effervescent star of stage and film, MICHAEL URIE! He joins host Nathan Winkelstein for a dive into Michael's Shakespeare origin story, his journey through Juilliard, and his profound insights on the craft. Michael reads Leontes' speech from Act 1 Scene 2 of The Winter's Tale—“I am angling now, Though you perceive me not how I give line.”— unpacking the intricacies of the language and characters.

Celebrated stage and screen actor JAY O. SANDERS joins host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull's Associate Artistic Director, for a conversation focused on one of Shakespeare's most iconic characters. Appearing in the Henry IV's and The Merry Wives of Windsor–and also eulogized in Henry V, Falstaff is a unique study. Together they will read from Henry IV, Act 2 Scene 4: “But tell me, Hal, art not thou horrible afeard?” — discussing the rewards and challenges of playing Shakespeare's most lovable and licentious old knight. (April 5, 2021)Exciting update! Since we recorded this Podversation back in 2021, Jay O. Sanders was cast as Falstaff for Theatre for a New Audience's production of Henry IV — on stage from January 30 - March 2, 2025. At the time of publishing this remastered Podversation, audiences have 4 more opportunities to see it! 

Illustrious stage and film actor KELLEY CURRAN joins host Nathan Winkelstein for an engaging conversation centered on Hermione from Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale. Together, they recite and analyze a pivotal excerpt from Act 3 Scene 2—“Since what I am to say must be but that which contradicts my accusation…”—delving into the complexities of the character. Their discussion explores themes of faith, power, politics, revenge, and retribution, offering a rich interpretation of this iconic play.

Known for her countless leading roles in the theater and on-screen in film and television, LILY RABE has paved her own path as a critically acclaimed, versatile actor. She joined host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull's Associate Artistic Director, for a conversation focused on an essential passage from Shakespeare's CYMBELINE, Act 3 Scene 4: "Thou told'st me, when we came from horse, the place Was near at hand." She answered questions from the audience about her approach to classical work and her experience playing Imogen. (May 3, 2021)

Acclaimed actor BILL CAMP joins host Nathan Winkelstein for a conversation focused on Shakespeare's Henry V. Together they talk through Hals' famous tennis ball speech in Act 1 Scene 2: “We are glad the Dauphin is so pleasant with us.” and discuss how Bill approaches classical texts by fully embracing the language.

Rising star of stage and screen GRANTHAM COLEMAN joined host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull's Associate Artistic Director, for a conversation focused on Much Ado About Nothing's Benedick–a role he played to great acclaim for Shakespeare in Park in 2019. He read an excerpt from the play and discussed the challenges of that particular speech from Act 2 Scene 3, as well as the rewards of playing one of Shakespeare's most charismatic leading men. (January 19, 2022)

Award winning theater, film, and television actor ZAINAB JAH joins host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull's Associate Artistic Director, for a conversation focused on Shakespeare's Hamlet. Together they talk through Hamlet's speech in Act 2 Scene 2: "What a piece of work is a man!" and discuss Zainab's unique journey with the classics.

Extraordinary stage and film actor JACOB MING-TRENT joins host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull's Associate Artistic Director, for a conversation focused on Bottom's dream from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, Act 4 Scene 1: “When my cue comes, call me, and I will answer.” You can see this master at work in our upcoming Off-Broadway production of MEDEA: RE-VERSED. Ticket are on sale now at RedBullTheater.com. (November 21, 2022)

Actor, playwright, translator, professor, and dramaturge DAKIN MATTHEWS joins host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull's Associate Artistic Director, for a conversation focused on Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice. Together they dissect Bassanio's speech in Act 3 Scene 2: "What find I here? Fair Portia's counterfeit!" and discuss Shakespeare's technical perspective and how that can help an actor understand his verse. 

Renowned Broadway and TV star ELIZABETH MARVEL joins host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull's Associate Artistic Director,  for a conversation focused on Mark Antony's other iconic speech from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Act 3 Scene 1: "Cry ‘Havoc!' and let slip the dogs of war.” Elizabeth Marvel took on the role in Oskar Eustis's controversial 2017 production for Shakespeare in the Park.  (April 27, 2020)

New York Shakespeare royalty HAMISH LINKLATER joins host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull's Associate Artistic Director, for a conversation focused on Shakespeare's Hamlet. Together they explore Hamlet's first soliloquy in Act 1 Scene 2: "O, that this too too solid flesh would melt." 

Celebrated Shakespearean actor and Tony Award-nominee PATRICK PAGE  joins host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull's Associate Artistic Director,  for a conversation exploring Iago, focused on his speech from the first act Shakespeare's OTHELLO. Part of #OTHELLO2020. Details at https://www.redbulltheater.com/i-hate-the-moor-patrick-page. (October 5, 2020)

Multi Emmy and Tony Award nominee MICHAEL STUHLBARG joins host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull's Associate Artistic Director, for a conversation focused on how a great actor approaches a text cold. Together they explore Angelo's speech in Measure for Measure, Act 2 Scene 4: “When I would pray and think.”