Podcasts about midsummer night

Access upcoming BONUS episodes plus listen ad-free when you join our Patreon page. Membership starts as low as $3 a month and every dollar helps support the future of the podcast. Thank you for your support. https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceConversations on Dance hosts Rebecca King Ferraro and Michael Sean Breeden welcome back Ashley Wheater, Artistic Director of The Joffrey Ballet, to discuss the company's upcoming tour to Houston (Performing Arts Houston, Oct. 23–24) with Alexander Ekman's Midsummer Night's Dream and preparations for the season. He explains Joffrey's marketing approach, long-range planning and budgeting through 2029, and balancing risk with audience draws like Christopher Wheeldon's streamlined Sleeping Beauty. Wheater details Ekman's Swedish Midsummer concept, hay-covered stage, surreal dinner party structure, and commissioned music featuring singer Anna von Hausswolff, and reflects on 20 years building Joffrey's artistic identity, finances, community ties, and dancer wellness support.If you are in the Houston area, don't miss the Joffrey Ballet at Performing Arts Houston. Tickets available here.Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement.Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceWebsite: conversationsondancepod.comJoin our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5bInstagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really take to build a sustainable career as a performer? In this episode, Alexa is joined by performer and vocal coach Chris Killik for a warm, funny and refreshingly candid conversation about life in the performing arts. From memorable auditions and unexpected career opportunities to versatility, vocal health and the lessons that only come from experience, Chris shares stories from a career spanning musical theatre, Shakespeare, television and stages across Europe. They also explore how our priorities can shift over time, what it means to truly understand your voice, and why sometimes the most important career moments are the ones you never planned for. WHAT'S IN THIS PODCAST?  0:44 What makes a good audition experience?  1:44 Auditions gone wrong 5:49 Chris' journey into performing arts  9:29 What did higher education not teach you? 11:45 What does it mean to be versatile?  16:28 The vocal crash 26:57 Performing in the UK Vs Europe  31:16 Setting up The Educated Voice 35:30 Performing and being a Dad 38:20 The remainder of 2026  About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Royal Academy of Music Mary Hammond Jack Shepherd  Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.112 Helping Musical Theatre Singers Build a Reliable ToolboxPhysio Ed Chris Johnson Vocal Coach Jeremy Ryan Mossman Tom Burke Anne Marie Speed Maureen Scott  Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.241 Is Your Pelvic Floor Affecting Your Voice? A Deep Dive Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.263 The Creative Juggler: Singer, Songwriter and Teacher  Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.197 Backing Adele and Beyond: The Art and Craft of Backing Vocals  Singing Teachers Talk - Ep. Ep.69 Understanding Pregnancy for the Singer and the Self-Employed  Associated Studios   ABOUT THE GUEST  Theatre credits include:Freddie Mercury inFriday Night Fever!(O2 Arena);Wish You Were Dead(National Tour);How to Build a Better Tulipand Return to the Forbidden Planet(Upstairs at the Gatehouse); Redemption Roomand Iconfidant(Online);Andrew Lloyd Webber Gala(European Tour);Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night's Dreamand Much Ado About Nothing(Park Theatre); The Wind in the Willows(Kew Gardens); Private Lives(Playhouse Theatre, Stockholm); Chicago(City Theatre Stockholm);Jesus Christ Superstar(Turku City Theatre, Finland); The Hired Man(Old Laundry Theatre, Windermere); Love Story(Duchess Theatre); Ash(Arcola Theatre);Sail Away(Lost Musicals, Lilian Baylis Theatre, Sadler's Wells); Closer Than Ever(Cheltenham Playhouse); Closer(Helsinki Fringe) and Merrie England(Finborough Theatre). Concert credits include:Backing Singer for Elton John's Concert for Diana(Wembley Stadium) and Chess in Concert(Royal Albert Hall). Recording credits include:12 Tenors; Love Story(the musical); and his own original music, of which his debut song 'Who Will You Burn For?' reached no. 3 in the iTunes charts. Vocal Coaching Alongside performing, Christopher is a vocal coach who has studied a wide range of vocal methodologies over the years, weaving together the best of each into a rich, multifaceted approach to teaching singing. He previously founded The Educated Voice, a company that ran five-day intensive courses across Scandinavia, bringing over top West End vocal teachers to deliver cutting-edge training in voice technique to international students. He now runs his own vocal coaching practice from his studio in Walthamstow, London.  Website Instagram: @christopherkillik 

Send us Fan MailActor Joe Azzopardi joins host Michael D. Cooper on The Big Scoop with Coop for an inspiring conversation about his acting journey, his growing career in film and television, and the experiences that have shaped him as a performer.Joe Azzopardi is an English-European actor of Maltese and British descent whose credits include Enola Holmes 3, Jurassic World Dominion, The Madame Blanc Mysteries, The Boat, and the BBC production The Whale alongside Martin Sheen and John Boyega.Joe takes us inside his journey from studying at London's Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts to building a career across film, television, and the stage. He also discusses his passion for acting and the dedication required to continue growing and taking on new challenges in the entertainment industry.Azzopardi earned international recognition for his leading performance in the award-winning feature film The Boat, an extraordinary one-man performance that showcased his ability to carry a story largely on his own.Most recently, Joe joined the cast of Xelter in the lead role of Salvu, with the project set to premiere in 2026.Beyond the screen, Joe is an accomplished stage performer with credits including Two Gentlemen of Verona, Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Romeo and Juliet, and the award-winning play They Blew Her Up.Whether you discovered Joe Azzopardi through Enola Holmes 3, Jurassic World Dominion, The Boat, Xelter, or his extensive stage work, this conversation gives you a closer look at the actor behind the performances and the journey that brought him here.

Send us Fan MailActor Joe Azzopardi joins host Michael D. Cooper on The Big Scoop with Coop for an inspiring conversation about his acting journey, his growing career in film and television, and the experiences that have shaped him as a performer.Joe Azzopardi is an English-European actor of Maltese and British descent whose credits include Enola Holmes 3, Jurassic World Dominion, The Madame Blanc Mysteries, The Boat, and the BBC production The Whale alongside Martin Sheen and John Boyega.Joe takes us inside his journey from studying at London's Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts to building a career across film, television, and the stage. He also discusses his passion for acting and the dedication required to continue growing and taking on new challenges in the entertainment industry.Azzopardi earned international recognition for his leading performance in the award-winning feature film The Boat, an extraordinary one-man performance that showcased his ability to carry a story largely on his own.Most recently, Joe joined the cast of Xelter in the lead role of Salvu, with the project set to premiere in 2026.Beyond the screen, Joe is an accomplished stage performer with credits including Two Gentlemen of Verona, Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Romeo and Juliet, and the award-winning play They Blew Her Up.Whether you discovered Joe Azzopardi through Enola Holmes 3, Jurassic World Dominion, The Boat, Xelter, or his extensive stage work, this conversation gives you a closer look at the actor behind the performances and the journey that brought him here.

Send us Fan MailAs rehearsals continue for her highly anticipated Chichester Festival Theatre debut in Nina Segal's Antigone Exits, Nina Cassells sat down with us for a deep, insightful conversation on her craft. Under the direction of Jeff James, Nina unpacks the visceral experience of bringing Sophocles' iconic heroine into a modern political sphere, exploring how she and the company are shaping the collective energy of the Chorus and navigating the intimate spatial mechanics of Chichester's Minerva Theatre.In our interview with Nina Cassells, we looked back at her training at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, recalling her captivating, emotionally charged turn in the title role of Lorca's Yerma. Since gradutating, Nina's taken on various defiant young women carving out autonomy against rigid social structures—from her raw, high-voltage performance as Zainab in Julia Grogan's Playfight at Soho Theatre alongside her Guildhall peer Sophie Cox, to her sparkling Pauline Fossil in Kendall Feaver's Ballet Shoes at the National Theatre. We also discussed her fierce Hermia in the Bridge Theatre's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream that brought audiences closer than ever to the enchanted forest. Now taking on the role of Antigone, Nina continues to blaze as a rising star in the industry.Antigone Exits runs at Minerva Theatre from 26 September - 17 October.

Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare is a timeless exploration of love, illusion, and the complexities of human relationships set against the backdrop of a magical forest. This enchanting play weaves together the lives of lovers, fairies, and a group of amateur actors, creating a rich tapestry of humor and insight into the nature of desire and reality. Its themes of transformation and the unpredictable nature of love remain relevant today, reminding us of the whimsical and often chaotic journey of our own hearts. Hearing this classic work allows listeners to appreciate Shakespeare's masterful language and the enduring human experiences that continue to resonate across the ages.

The actor Sylvester McCoy was a familiar face to millions of TV viewers when he played the Seventh Doctor in Doctor Who in the 1980s. On the big screen, he has played the eccentric wizard Radagast the Brown in Peter Jackson's Hobbit trilogy, and on stage, he has played the Fool opposite Ian McKellen's King Lear for the Royal Shakespeare Company. His route into acting was unconventional. He spent his teenage years preparing for the priesthood, then later honed his physical comedy skills in Ken Campbell's maverick Roadshow. His music choices include tracks by Stravinsky, Satie, Beethoven, and Britten's Shakespearean opera A Midsummer Night's Dream.Presenter Michael Berkeley.Producer Graham Rogers

Theatre and film director Sir Nicholas Hytner talks to John Wilson about his formative cultural influences. Over a career spanning four decades, he has directed Shakespeare, contemporary drama and musicals, including Miss Saigon which ran for over a decade in London and on Broadway. He served as artistic director of the National Theatre for 12 years, overseeing more massive box office hits including The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time and War Horse. Productions that he directed himself include One Man, Two Guvnors and The History Boys, one of several collaborations with Alan Bennett. In 2017, he co-founded London's Bridge Theatre where his productions have included Julius Caesar, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Guys and Dolls. One of the most influential and successful figures in British theatre, Sir Nicholas Hytner was knighted for services to drama in 2010.Producer: Edwina Pitman

04 Track 4 - A Midsummer Night's Dream by

John Hutchinson has been on the Yay more times than anyone else (perhaps aside from Jeannie Barroga) – he shared his life story on Episode 57, we celebrated the life of the late Jeff Thompson on Episode 103 and we brought him back on (with Norman Gee) on Episode 211. John Hutchinson, a beloved friend and former member of Eastenders Repertory Company, turns 90 on the 23rd, and Jake and I are at his home to celebrate his life and his contributions to theatre as an actor and a writer. The Hutch loves messages – you can directly message Hutch via Facebook. SHOWS: The Prince, Part II (Central Works) LAST SHOW TOMORROW! Brennan Pickman-Thoon (Episode 281) is in the show Marah Sotelo (Episode 124) is in Part II Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) wrote and directed the show https://centralworks.org The White Chip (Eclectic Box SF) Sept 11, 12 & 13 Aaron Seymour (Episode 317) is in the show Craig Souza (Episode 10) is directing the show https://www.eclecticboxsf.com Hairspray (SF Playhouse) July 10 – Sept 12 Adam Kuveniemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2025-2026-season/hairspray/ Antony & Cleopatra (SF Shakes) July 25 – Sept 27 Elizabeth Carter (Episode 159) is in the show https://sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/ac/ ROI (SF Playhouse) Aug 6 – Sept 5 Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2026-2027-season/roi-return-on-investment/ The Fall Show (Shotgun Players) Sept 25 – Oct 25 Reginald Wilkins (Episode 276) is in the show https://shotgunplayers.org/show/fall/ Manning (Crowded Fire) Sept 5 – Sept 26 Sarah Jiang (Episode 367) is in the show https://www.crowdedfire.org/manning/ Julius Caesar (Marin Shakes) Aug 14 – Sept 13 Jon Tracy (Episode 169) is in the show Brady Morales-Woolery (Episode 305) is in the show Dave Garrett (Episode 123) is in the show Ray Archie (Episode 365) is the sound designer David Maier (Episode 301) is the fight coordinator Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is the intimacy coordinator https://www.marinshakespeare.org/julius-caesar/ A Midsummer Night's Dream (Actor's Ensemble) Aug 22 – Sept 7 Cynthia Lagodzinski (Episodes 96 & 266) is in the show Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is in the show https://www.aeofberkeley.org/94-news/latest-news/430-a-midsummer-night-s-dream-opens-august-22nd-2026 South Pacific (6th Street Playhouse) Aug 21 – Sept 20 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://6thstreetplayhouse.com/shows/rodgers-hammersteins-south-pacific/ African Stew (Lorraine Hansberry Theatre / Magic Theatre) Sept 10 – 27 Margo Hall (Episode 166) is in the show ShawnJ West (Episode 146) is in the show Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is in the show https://www.lhtsf.org/african-stew Eureka Day (City Lights Theatre) Sept 24 – Oct 18 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is in the show Jonathan Spector (Episode 280) wrote this Tony winning play https://cltc.org/event/eureka-day/ Measure For Measure (Berkeley Shakespeare Company) Oct 30 – Nov 15 Ely Sonny Orquiza (Episodes 139 & 279) is directing the show https://berkeleyshakes.org King Lear (Oakland Theatre Project) Sept 25 – Oct 11 Dean Linnard (Episode 336) is in the show Joey Alvarado (Episode 312) is in the show https://oaklandtheaterproject.org/lear Peter Pan Goes Wrong (SF Playhouse) Sept 26 – Nov 28 Terrance Smith (Episode 102) is in the show Jomar Tagatac (Episode 352) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2026-2027-season/peter-pan-goes-wrong/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

[School of Movies 2026] Possibly the greatest playwright the world will ever see, creator of countless clever words and idioms, '"Heart of gold", "Wild goose chase", "Good riddance!" all gifts to the English language. He was also a man whose private life was shrouded in mystery, and for the average person our familiarity with him begins and ends in the one or two plays we are forced to study at school, along with The Lion King and an awareness of crackpot theories surrounding all of these plays being written by someone else (suspects include another playwright with a completely different and humourless style, a tyrannical lord who kicked a pregnant lady in the stomach and a man who died ten years before Billy Shakes stopped producing plays, so it was good of him to leave such a ready supply). Here for you folks now, kicking off Shakestember, we discuss with Willow, a dozen film adaptations, many of which you will definitely want to seek out. Romeo + Juliet (1996) Much Ado About Nothing (1993) Hamlet (1996) The Tempest (2010) The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021) Othello (1995) The Merchant of Venice (2004) A Midsummer Night's Dream (1999) Richard III (1995) Twelfth Night (1996) King Lear (2008) Titus (1999) This week's After School Club: The Dark Tower (Part I) Next week: Romeo + Juliet

A guided meditation for rest without guiltProductivity is an illusion.If you can't sit still without feeling like you're losing ground to someone more disciplined, this 5-minute meditation is to help you feel that you are worth something before you ever produce anything.For: Managing burnout · Avoiding rest guilt · Rejecting over-optimisation · Avoiding anxious productivityManifest is a guided visualisation podcast. Please don't listen while driving or operating machinery.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/abstract-aprils/memaloricSound Effect by freesound_community from PixabaySound Effect 

This month's Shakespeare is As You Like It—and after my less-than-enthusiastic experience with A Midsummer Night's Dream, I'm relieved to discover that Shakespearean comedy really can be funny. The plot is completely ridiculous: banished dukes, feuding brothers, improbable disguises, love at first sight, a lion, a religious conversion, and four marriages. Somehow, it works.But because this is Shakespeare, the comedy also sneaks in bigger ideas: primogeniture and sibling rivalry, country life versus court life, the costs of travel, and, most memorably, the famous “All the world's a stage” speech. I also share why I don't recommend Kenneth Branagh's movie adaptation and give As You Like It a B+. Plus, a preview of our fall Shakespeare lineup and the upcoming Iliad/Odyssey/Aeneid reading project.BOOKS IN THIS EPISODEAs You Like ItCONNECTThe complete list of Crack the Book Episodes (Amazon affiliate links): https://cheryldrury.substack.com/p/crack-the-book-start-here?r=u3t2rTo read more of my writing, visit my Substack - https://www.cheryldrury.substack.com.Kenneth Branagh's As You Like It TrailerSt. Philip's Academy 2026 Convocation (Not available yet but I'll link when it is!)Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cldrury/Like what you heard? Buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/crackthebookLISTENSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bdApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crack-the-book/id1749793321Captivate - https://crackthebook.captivate.fm

On the latest Whisper in the Wings from Stage Whisper, we were thrilled to welcome on the actor Martin Callinor, to talk to us about Smoking Mirror Theatre's A Midsummer Night's Dream. This classic Shakespeare tale was a hoot to chat about. So be sure that you tune in and turn out for this great show!Smoking Mirror Theatre PresentsA Midsummer Night's DreamAugust 27th- September 13th@ A.R.T. Gural TheatreTickets and more information are available at eventbrite.com And be sure to follow Martin to stay up to date on all his upcoming projects and productions: smokingmirrortheatreny.com@smokingmirrortheatre@martinchallinormartinchallinor.com

We have two guest today – Dylan Russell and Anthony “Chef” Jefferson. Dylan was the Associate Director at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Anthony is a poet, actor and writer who has worked with the Formerly Incarcerated People's Performance Project. AJ just finished his one man show, The Bumpy Road Less Traveled, at the Marsh – Dylan directed AJ. Jake and I talk about their background, their work in the bay area and their projects in the future. You can reach Dylan directly via Instagram: @dylanrussell613 You can reach Anthony directly via Instagram: @anthonymichaeljefferson Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: The Prince, Part II (Central Works) Aug 1 – Sept 6 (Pt. II) Brennan Pickman-Thoon (Episode 281) is in the show Marah Sotelo (Episode 124) is in Part II Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) wrote and directed the show https://centralworks.org Miss Thang! (Shotgun Players) August 24-26 Brittany Sims (Episode 328) is in the reading Ae'jay Antonis Marquis (Episode 165) is directing the reading https://shotgunplayers.org/show/miss-thang/ Hairspray (SF Playhouse) July 10 – Sept 12 Adam Kuveniemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2025-2026-season/hairspray/ Antony & Cleopatra (SF Shakes) July 25 – Sept 27 Elizabeth Carter (Episode 159) is in the show https://sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/ac/ ROI (SF Playhouse) Aug 6 – Sept 5 Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2026-2027-season/roi-return-on-investment/ The Fall Show (Shotgun Players) Sept 25 – Oct 25 Reginald Wilkins (Episode 276) is in the show https://shotgunplayers.org/show/fall/ Manning (Crowded Fire) Sept 5 – Sept 26 Sarah Jiang (Episode 367) is in the show https://www.crowdedfire.org/manning/ Julius Caesar (Marin Shakes) Aug 14 – Sept 13 Jon Tracy (Episode 169) is in the show Brady Morales-Woolery (Episode 305) is in the show Dave Garrett (Episode 123) is in the show Ray Archie (Episode 365) is the sound designer David Maier (Episode 301) is the fight coordinator Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is the intimacy coordinator https://www.marinshakespeare.org/julius-caesar/ A Midsummer Night's Dream (Actor's Ensemble) Aug 22 – Sept 7 Cynthia Lagodzinski (Episodes 96 & 266) is in the show Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is in the show https://www.aeofberkeley.org/94-news/latest-news/430-a-midsummer-night-s-dream-opens-august-22nd-2026 South Pacific (6th Street Playhouse) Aug 21 – Sept 20 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://6thstreetplayhouse.com/shows/rodgers-hammersteins-south-pacific/ African Stew (Lorraine Hansberry Theatre / Magic Theatre) Sept 10 – 27 Margo Hall (Episode 166) is in the show ShawnJ West (Episode 146) is in the show Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is in the show https://www.lhtsf.org/african-stew Eureka Day (City Lights Theatre) Sept 24 – Oct 18 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is in the show Jonathan Spector (Episode 280) wrote this Tony winning play https://cltc.org/event/eureka-day/ Peter Pan Goes Wrong (SF Playhouse) Sept 26 – Nov 28 Terrance Smith (Episode 102) is in the show Jomar Tagatac (Episode 352) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2026-2027-season/peter-pan-goes-wrong/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Kate Molleson follows Felix Mendelssohn's journeys across Europe, tracing how travel shaped one of the nineteenth century's most gifted musical minds. From a privileged upbringing in Berlin and early encounters with Goethe, through concert tours in Britain and adventures in Scotland and Italy, Mendelssohn absorbed new landscapes, cultures and ideas wherever he went. Alongside artistic inspiration came professional opportunities, influential friendships and the challenge of establishing himself as a composer on his own terms. Returning to Germany after years on the road, he channelled these experiences into some of his most celebrated music while helping to shape the country's musical life through his work in Leipzig.Presented by Kate Molleson Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio WalesMusic featured includes:Symphony No. 4 in A major "Italian", Op. 90 Rondo capriccioso in E major, Op. 14 Overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 21 Piano Quartet in F minor, Op. 2: Adagio Octet in E flat major, Op. 20: Allegro moderato Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 11 (1829 London Version): Scherzo Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage, Op. 27 Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 11: Allegro di molto Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25: I & II Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Op. 56 "Scottish": II. Vivace non troppo and IV. Allegro vivacissimo – Allegro maestoso assai Hebrides Overture, Op. 26 Fantasia in F sharp minor, Op. 28 "Scottish Sonata" Three Fantasies (or Caprices), Op. 16 Venetian Gondola Song Ave Maria Symphony No. 5 in D major "Reformation", Op. 107: IV. Chorale "Ein feste Burg" Psalm 115, Nicht unserm Namen, Herr, Op. 31 Symphony No. 4 in A major "Italian", Op. 90: III & IV String Quintet No. 1 in A major, Op. 18: III. Adagio e lento Songs Without Words, Book I, Op. 19b Trumpet Overture, Op. 101 Paulus, Op. 36, Part I: "Herr! Der du bist der Gott" Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64: I. Allegro molto appassionatoFor full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Felix Mendelssohn: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m003029dAnd you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we've featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

The Daily Quiz - Art and Literature Today's Questions: Question 1: Which author wrote 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'? Question 2: Which book contains the character 'Nick and Nora Charles'? Question 3: What shakespearean play features the line: "A plague on both your houses"? Question 4: What is the name of Tiny Tim's father in the story, 'A Christmas Carol'? Question 5: Which artist painted "The Gleaners" Question 6: Which novel contains the line "'Toad Hall,' said the Toad proudly, 'is an eligible self-contained gentleman's residence'"? Question 7: What is the word for a painting technique using pigments mixed with egg yolk and water? Question 8: Which painter is famous for sunflowers and starry night scenes? Question 9: Which artist painted "Three Musicians" This podcast is produced by Klassic Studios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peter Filichia and James Marino talk about The Winter’s Tale @ Delacorte Theater, A Midsummer Night’s Dream @ Compass Rose Theater, The Vessel @ 59e59, and ISLA @ WP Theater. “This Week on Broadway” has been coming to you every week since 2009. It is the longest-running running Broadway and read more

The marvellous Munya Chawawa spills the beans on starring in the 90s-style raver reinvention of A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Chichester Festival Theatre.The legendary Alan Brazil gives us the low down on his return to the talkSPORT Breakfast Show.Catch up on all previous episodes of TFI Unplugged on the Virgin Radio UK YouTube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Nice to meet you, where you been? I could show you incredible things..." In this deep dive episode, we dissect one of Taylor Swift's most iconic satirical masterpieces. From the enchanted references that bookend her career to the Shakespeare allusions hidden in plain sight, we explore how "Blank Space" operates as both brilliant satire and surprisingly authentic commentary on complex womanhood. Join us as we unpack the magic, madness, heaven, and sin of a song that dared to ask: what if we owned the narrative instead of fighting it? Subscribe for episode updates and After School premium content: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe. After School subscribers get monthly bonus episodes, exclusive content, and early access to help shape future topics! Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com Mentioned in this episode: A Midsummer Night's Dream, William Shakespeare Pretty Little Liars (TV series) The Office (TV series) Wife of Bath from The Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer

Jake and I next welcome Dr. Austin Dean Ashford – Latin Grammy nominated artist and playwright who's one man show, Rap Monologues, is part of TheatreWorks' New Works Festival – he next performs on Saturday (Aug 15th) at 8pm. Dr. Ashford has performed at the Kennedy Center and his show, Austin Dean Ashford Live, is on Amazon Prime Video. Jake and I talk about his background, his work in the bay area and where he's going in the future. You can reach Dr. Ashford directly via Instagram: @draustindeanashford If you had ever went to a Douglas Morrison Production, you would have seen amazingly built sets, created by the resident set designer, Tom Earlywine. Most of the staff was let go immediately after COVID, but all of us remember the excellent work of Tom. I'm sad to report that Tom passed away June 16, after a heart attack – he leaves behind his wife and two children. They have a Go Fund Me page to help them with funeral bills and other financial demands – if you ever cared for the great work of Tom Earlywine, I invite you to give – whatever you have. The link to the page is here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-jenny-peter-and-sally-after-toms-passing?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e227_tv2_tp1_a1dennhbg3mj0m SHOWS: The Prince, Part II (Central Works) Aug 1 – Sept 6 (Pt. II) Brennan Pickman-Thoon (Episode 281) is in the show Marah Sotelo (Episode 124) is in Part II Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) wrote and directed the show https://centralworks.org Hairspray (SF Playhouse) July 10 – Sept 12 Adam Kuveniemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2025-2026-season/hairspray/ Present Laughter (Orinda Starlight Players) July 24 – August 15 Max Chang (Episode 247) is in the show https://www.orsvp.org/present-laughter Antony & Cleopatra (SF Shakes) July 25 – Sept 27 Elizabeth Carter (Episode 159) is in the show https://sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/ac/ Manning (Crowded Fire) Sept 5 – Sept 26 Sarah Jiang (Episode 367) is in the show https://www.crowdedfire.org/manning/ El Silencio Arido Del Agua or The Arid Silence of the Water (Brava) Aug 5 – Aug 16 Virginia Blanco (Episode 238) is directing the show Taylor Gonzalez (Episode 342) is the projectionist and programmer for the show https://www.brava.org/all-events/lelsilencio-5bpzg Julius Caesar (Marin Shakes) Aug 14 – Sept 13 Jon Tracy (Episode 169) is in the show Brady Morales-Woolery (Episode 305) is in the show Dave Garrett (Episode 123) is in the show Ray Archie (Episode 365) is the sound designer David Maier (Episode 301) is the fight coordinator Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is the intimacy coordinator https://www.marinshakespeare.org/julius-caesar/ A Midsummer Night's Dream (Actor's Ensemble) Aug 22 – Sept 7 Cynthia Lagodzinski (Episodes 96 & 266) is in the show Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is in the show https://www.aeofberkeley.org/94-news/latest-news/430-a-midsummer-night-s-dream-opens-august-22nd-2026 South Pacific (6th Street Playhouse) Aug 21 – Sept 20 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://6thstreetplayhouse.com/shows/rodgers-hammersteins-south-pacific/ Eureka Day (City Lights Theatre) Sept 24 – Oct 18 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is in the show Jonathan Spector (Episode 280) wrote this Tony winning play https://cltc.org/event/eureka-day/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Based in NYC since 2011, Adam came to New York by way of Houston, TX, where he completed his Master's Degree at Rice University's Shepherd School of Music (2008). Adam grew up in Northeast Ohio, where he attended Cleveland State University (2006). Formally studying classical percussion throughout his education, Adam also actively performed as a freelancer on drum set — his classical background combined with his drum set skills gave him a unique blend that turned out to be very well-suited for musical theater.After playing its out-of-town tryout at Houston's Alley Theatre, Adam had his Broadway debut as the drummer on Frank Wildhorn's WONDERLAND when it transferred to Broadway (Spring 2011). OBCR on Sony Masterworks.With his foot in the door from his first Broadway show, Adam set about the work of subbing and building a reputation in and around the city. Subbing on NYC productions as diverse as RENT, EVITA, MATILDA the Musical, AVENUE Q, CATS, HELLO DOLLY, ANASTASIA, THE PROM, WEST SIDE STORY, COME FROM AWAY, and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS — and many more — Adam routinely demonstrates a wide-ranging versatility. A unique hybrid player, Adam is equally at home on drum set and percussion, excelling in situations that demand both contemporary drum set styles and legit classical/orchestral sensibilities.Adam's most recent NYC chairs include 2017's BANDSTAND on Broadway (TONY Nomination for Best Orchestrations, TONY WINNER for Best Choreography), Jerry Springer the Opera, and Between the Lines with acclaimed writers Samsel & Anderson — where Adam not only played drums and percussion but helped create the percussive mix elements. Adam is often found developing new works in NYC's rehearsal studios, working with established and new writing teams whenever possible. Most recently, Adam subbed on CATS: The Jellicle Ball.Adam has supported many of NYC's finest singers, including Caroline Bowman, Austin Colby, Jordan Dobson, Natalie Weiss, Justin Guarini, Sierra Boggess, Laura Osnes, Josh Young, Orfeh, Andy Karl, Patti LuPone, Jeremy Jordan, Ben Fankhauser, Brian Justin Crumm, Jenna Ushkowitz, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Kacey Velazquez, Loren Allred, Andy Mientus, and Crystal Monee Hall, among many others.When not in the theater, Adam is often found in NYC recording studios playing for singer/songwriters and composers like Desi Oakley, The Jack Mosbacher Band, Michael Mott, and David Mallamud — playing cabaret spots like Feinstein's 54 Below, performing at Lincoln Center, and downtown venues such as Rockwood Music Hall, Piano's, and The Bitter End. Adam also records drum tracks and produces at his studio in Midtown Manhattan.Recordings Adam Has Played On:* Between the Lines Original Cast Recording* BANDSTAND Original Broadway Cast Recording* Desi Oakley, “Repeat”* Michael Mott, “Abandoned Heart” (Released on Broadway Records, September 15, 2017)* A Rockin' Midsummer Night's Dream – World Premiere Recording* You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (2016 Off-Broadway Cast Recording) — available on iTunes, Amazon, and Barnes & NobleCollaborators featured on these recordings include David Mallamud, Nat Zegree, The Jack Mosbacher Band, and Desi Oakley.Connect with Adam:Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Contact form for bookings and inquiries.Site: home | about | media | recording/programmingClayton Craddock was most recently the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

THE CENSORS' THREAT TO ARTIn his latest Lowdown podcast, Nick Cohen talks to Sally Gimson, editor of Index on Censorship, discussing her report on censorship and the lack of political drama in the British arts scene. Sally explains that despite a strong left-wing political passion in the arts, there is a dearth of political theatre, with institutions playing it safe to avoid controversy. She describes how plays are now heavily workshopped and censored by committees, leading to bland and inoffensive productions. Sally highlights specific examples, such as the canceled production of A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Royal Exchange in Manchester, which was deemed too political. Nick and Sally also discuss the chilling effect of funding dependencies, such as deals with China, and political pressures, particularly in Scotland where the SNP's dominance has stifled satire. Sally concludes with a critique of the self-censorship and institutional timidity that is rendering the arts irrelevant and apolitical.Read all about it!@SallyGimson is editor of @IndexCensorship, aTrustee of Abortion Talk. Sally's Fabian pamphlet Building Bridges in the wake of the Labour Party's 2019 defeat on what it needed to enhance its futjure election chances https://fabians.org.uk/publication/building-bridges/ was published in 2020.Nick Cohen's @NichCohen4 regular Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond is another must-read. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us Fan MailShakespeare can feel intimidating right up until you're sitting a few feet from the actors and the story starts sounding like real life. We're joined by directors Mickey Estrella and Marlee Lane to talk about the CCCT Shakespeare Festival at 7th Street Community Theater, running August 20th through the 29th, and why this kind of up-close community theater is the best way to remember what Shakespeare was made for: performance, laughter, tension, and a room full of people reacting together. Mickey walks us through a bold, joyful approach to A Midsummer Night's Dream that shifted during callbacks into an all-female cast and a “we're playing pretend” energy that makes rehearsal lighter and the fairy world feel genuinely magical. We dig into how casting can create a safe learning environment, why fun is a serious directing tool, and how giving performers real ownership, including costume creation, can deepen character work fast. Marlee shares a modern Romeo and Juliet concept built around the “in-between”, using public transportation as a metaphor for the spaces where people think, change, and imagine. We also get practical about staging: designing one simple shared set for two wildly different shows, coordinating colors and tech needs, and making a festival that feels like a complete experience rather than two separate productions. If you love Shakespeare, modern adaptations, directing craft, or just want a great night of live theater in Chino, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share this with a theater friend, and leave a review to help more people find local community theater.August 20-29thChino Community Children's Theatre – It's Great to Be Back!Find STTS:Steps To The Stage (@stepstothestage) | InstagramFacebookSteps To The Stage (buzzsprout.com)Steps To The Stage - YouTubePlease follow on your favorite podcast platform and we appreciate 5 Star ratings and positive reviews!

Let us know what you think of the showIn this episode of Comic Cuts The Panel Show, your favourite podcast about comics, DC Vertigo editing legend Shelly Bond, and best beloved cartoonist Davy Francis bring in panels from comics, we guess what they're from and have a lovely chat that, today, includes more technical comic language than you've ever heard.Want to know about feathering, tangents and spotting blacks? You've come to the right place. Also some fab, fun comics history from the 1940s through the 1990s, and lots of laughs about tea and chocolate.See the images from the episode here (they're also in the podcast artwork).See the video version here on YoutubeEvery episode, the guests reveal a panel from a comic, we try and guess where it's from, then we chat about it. Half an hour later hopefully we've learned something, or just shown off and had fun along the way.If you've enjoyed this, why not buy us a virtual coffee at Kev F's Ko-Fi page.Your host, and series creator, is Kev F Sutherland, writer and artist for Beano, Marvel, Oink, The Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre, and most recently author and artist of Shakespearean graphic novels including Hamlet Prince Of Denmark Street, Midsummer Night's Dream Team and his best selling Romeo & Juliet for fans of Dogman and Bunny Vs Monkey. kevfcomicartist.comJoin the Official Comic Cuts Facebook Page, aka Youtoobling, and comment on the show there too, why not?

In the first of our special programmes from the Edinburgh Festivals, actress Stockard Channing - star of Grease, Six Degrees of Separation and Practical Magic - joins us alongside her friend, actor David Westhead, to discuss their production of Samuel Beckett's Krapp's Last Tape, in which a cynical and disillusioned older man reflects on his early life as an ambitious and idealistic writer.Jeff Whitty, Tony Award winning creator of the hit musical Avenue Q, which is currently running until 2027 in London's West End, tells us about Midsummer!, his new production inspired by Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's dream, set in the Gilded Age and performed in a contemporary verse translation. We have a live performance from siblings Maddie and Marcus Rice from their show with songs Goodbye Dandelion, an exploration of an unlikely friendship between an 87 year old and their much younger friend, which is the recipient of the inaugural Underbelly Futures Fund Award. And we hear how deaf actors and artists are taking centre stage at this year's Festival, with Stijn Van Opstal, the director of the acclaimed production [seagull], performed in Flemish sign language by Belgian company Olympique Dramatique - and with director Cora Bissett and deaf performer Jamie Rea, whose gig theatre production The Singer, centres on Joe, a deaf artist who 'sings' with his hands, and Andy, a washed-up musician seeking a comeback, and features music by KT Tunstall. Presenter: Kirsty Wark Producer: Mark Crossan

What do Shakespeare, dream journals, live theater, and spiritual imagination have in common? In this episode of The Dream Journal, host Katherine Bell speaks with dream researcher and author Dr. Kelly Bulkeley about the spirit of dreaming in Shakespeare, the power of dreams as play, and how long-term dream journaling reveals patterns of meaning over time. Kelly Bulkeley, PhD, is a psychologist of religion, director of the Sleep and Dream Database, senior editor of the journal Dreaming, and a former president of the International Association for the Study of Dreams. His books include The Scribes of Sleep, 2020 Dreams, Lucrecia the Dreamer, Big Dreams, The Spirituality of Dreaming, and his forthcoming book, The Spirit of Dreaming in Shakespeare. In this wide-ranging conversation, Kelly and Katherine explore how Shakespeare used dreams throughout his plays, why live theater can feel like a shared dream, how dreams and waking life blur in A Midsummer Night's Dream, and what recurring dream themes can teach us about growth, creativity, and self-understanding. Topics Covered Dreams as play, performance, imagination, and creative rehearsal How Shakespeare gave language to positive and negative views of dreaming A Midsummer Night's Dream, Puck, trickster consciousness, and the dreamlike quality of theater Why live theater can create a shared imaginal or shared-dream experience Recurring dreams, stage dreams, and how dream themes evolve over time The Sleep and Dream Database and how large dream collections reveal patterns Elsewhere dream journaling app and ethical uses of AI-assisted dream reflection Lucrecia the Dreamer, prophetic dreams, history, and the Spanish Inquisition The Jeremey Taylor Dream Library Foundation and preserving important dreamwork resources Guest and Resources Guest: Dr. Kelly Bulkeley Learn more: bulkeley.org Explore the Sleep and Dream Database: sleepanddreamdatabase.org Show: The Dream Journal with Katherine Bell / Experiential Dreamwork Suggested Keywords dreams, dream interpretation, dream journaling, Shakespeare and dreams, Kelly Bulkeley, Sleep and Dream Database, A Midsummer Night's Dream, spiritual dreaming, dreams as play, recurring dreams, dream research, prophetic dreams, dreamwork, Jungian dreams, consciousness, live theater, shared dreaming, Experiential Dreamwork, The Dream Journal podcast Call to Action If this conversation sparks your curiosity, subscribe to The Dream Journal, share the episode with a dream-loving friend, and follow Experiential Dreamwork for more conversations about dreams, imagination, consciousness, and the wisdom of the night. This show, episode number 374, was recorded during a live broadcast on August 1, 2026 at KSQD.org, community radio of Santa Cruz. SHARE A DREAM FOR THE SHOW or a question or enquire about being a guest on the podcast by emailing Katherine Bell at katherine@ksqd.org. Follow on LI, IG, YT, FB, & LT @ExperientialDreamwork #thedreamjournal. To learn more or to inquire about exploring your own dreams go to ExperientialDreamwork.com. Video podcast available at youtube.com/@experientialdreamwork. Popular playlists: “Dream Journal shorts” and “FULL LENGTH VIDEOS”. Here are links to some other Dream Journal episodes you might be interested in: Are We Dreaming Reality? Paul Levy on Wetiko, Carl Jung, Quantum Physics, and Lucid Dreaming A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Bernard Welt Intro and outro music by Mood Science. Ambient music new every week by Rick Kleffel. Archived music can be found at Pandemiad.com. Many thanks to Rick for also engineering the show and to Erik Nelson for answering the phones. The Dream Journal aims to: Increase awareness of and appreciation for nightly dreams. Inspire dream sharing and other kinds of dream exploration as a way of adding depth and meaningfulness to lives and relationships. Improve society by the increased empathy, emotional balance, and sense of wonder which dream exploration invites. A dream can be meaningful even if you don’t know what it means. The Dream Journal is produced at and airs on KSQD Santa Cruz, 90.7 FM. Catch it streaming LIVE at KSQD.org 10-11am Pacific Time on Saturdays. Call or text with your dreams or questions at 831-900-5773 or email at onair@ksqd.org. Podcasts are available on all major podcast platforms the Monday following the live show. The complete KSQD Dream Journal podcast page can be found at ksqd.org/the-dream-journal/. Thanks for being a Dream Journal listener! Available on all major podcast platforms. Rate it, review it, subscribe, and tell your friends.

Tonight's sleep story is A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare, retold by Edith Nesbit. You might know the story of Hermia and Helena, their love square ,and the mischievous sprite Puck originally written by William Shakespeare. This adaptation by Edith Nesbit condenses and simplifies the story but the end remains the same. If you're still awake, the other two stories are As You Like It and the Two Gentlemen of Verona.Support the podcast and enjoy ad-free and bonus episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts. For other podcast platforms go to https://justsleeppodcast.com/supportOr, you can support with a one time donation at buymeacoffee.com/justsleeppodOrder your copy of the Just Sleep book! https://www.justsleeppodcast.com/book/If you like this episode, please remember to follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Also, share with any family or friends that might have trouble drifting off.Goodnight! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Veteran musical director Diana Lee joins us this Yay. Diana Lee has been featured at the Hotel Nikko, Brava Theatre, the Hillbarn Theatre and many more. Jake and I talk about her upbringing, her career and where she sees herself in the future. You can reach Diana Lee directly via Instagram: @dianamusiclee If you had ever went to a Douglas Morrison Production, you would have seen amazingly built sets, created by the resident set designer, Tom Earlywine. Most of the staff was let go immediately after COVID, but all of us remember the excellent work of Tom. I'm sad to report that Tom passed away June 16, after a heart attack – he leaves behind his wife and two children. They have a Go Fund Me page to help them with funeral bills and other financial demands – if you ever cared for the great work of Tom Earlywine, I invite you to give – whatever you have. The link to the page is here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-jenny-peter-and-sally-after-toms-passing?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e227_tv2_tp1_a1dennhbg3mj0m SHOWS: The Prince, Part I & II (Central Works) July 18 – Sept 6 (Pt I); Aug 1 – Sept 6 (Pt. II) Brennan Pickman-Thoon (Episode 281) is in the show Marah Sotelo (Episode 124) is in Part II Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) wrote and directed the show https://centralworks.org Hairspray (SF Playhouse) July 10 – Sept 12 Adam Kuveniemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2025-2026-season/hairspray/ Present Laughter (Orinda Starlight Players) July 24 – August 15 Max Chang (Episode 247) is in the show https://www.orsvp.org/present-laughter Newsies (Castro Valley Arts Foundation) July 24 – Aug 9 Paul Plain (Episode 125) is in the show https://cvartsfoundation.org/shows/ Antony & Cleopatra (SF Shakes) July 25 – Sept 27 Elizabeth Carter (Episode 159) is in the show https://sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/ac/ Manning (Crowded Fire) Sept 5 – Sept 26 Sarah Jiang (Episode 367) is in the show https://www.crowdedfire.org/manning/ El Silencio Arido Del Agua or The Arid Silence of the Water (Brava) Aug 5 – Aug 16 Virginia Blanco (Episode 238) is directing the show Taylor Gonzalez (Episode 342) is the projectionist and programmer for the show https://www.brava.org/all-events/lelsilencio-5bpzg Julius Caesar (Marin Shakes) Aug 14 – Sept 13 Jon Tracy (Episode 169) is in the show Brady Morales-Woolery (Episode 305) is in the show Dave Garrett (Episode 123) is in the show Ray Archie (Episode 365) is the sound designer David Maier (Episode 301) is the fight coordinator Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is the intimacy coordinator https://www.marinshakespeare.org/julius-caesar/ A Midsummer Night's Dream (Actor's Ensemble) Aug 22 – Sept 7 Cynthia Lagodzinski (Episodes 96 & 266) is in the show Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is in the show https://www.aeofberkeley.org/94-news/latest-news/430-a-midsummer-night-s-dream-opens-august-22nd-2026 South Pacific (6th Street Playhouse) Aug 21 – Sept 20 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://6thstreetplayhouse.com/shows/rodgers-hammersteins-south-pacific/ Eureka Day (City Lights Theatre) Sept 24 – Oct 18 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is in the show Jonathan Spector (Episode 280) wrote this Tony winning play https://cltc.org/event/eureka-day/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

We continue tour coverage of the 2026 Little Shakespeare Festival on the latest Whisper in the Wings from Stage Whisper. The festival, being presented by Frigid NYC, is such a great event, and the three shows on our program are making this year's even better. So be sure to hit play and get your tickets today!Frigid NYC Presents 2026 Little Shakespeare FestivalAugust 6th- 23rd@ Under St. MarksTickets and more information are available at frigid.nycUnrehearsed! A Midsummer Night's Dream produced and performed by Emily Gallagher August 6th, 7th, and 11thbarefootshakespeare.org@barefootshakesBrave Sons of England directed by Ann Patricia (she/her) and composed and written by Francesca Negron August 22nd@bravesonsofenglandthemusical@tea_time_for_mad_girlsThe Taming of the Shrew: A Kinky Retelling created and performed by Paige Hann August 13th and 14th@society.of.strangerssocietyofstrangerstheatre.co.uk

Let us know what you think of the showIn this episode of Comic Cuts The Panel Show, your favourite podcast about comics, comic creators Dan McDaid & Sapphira Olson bring in panels from a couple of interestingly hard-to-guess comics. Can you guess it before the fellow guests do? Test your comic knowledge, then enjoy a chat that ranges from religion to geography, passing through the realms of DC Comics, Doctor Who, and more.See the video version here.Every episode, the guests reveal a panel from a comic, we try and guess where it's from, then we chat about it. Half an hour later hopefully we've learned something, or just shown off and had fun along the way.See the images from the episode here (they're also in the podcast artwork).If you've enjoyed this, why not buy us a virtual coffee at Kev F's Ko-Fi page.Your host, and series creator, is Kev F Sutherland, writer and artist for Beano, Marvel, Oink, The Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre, and most recently author and artist of Shakespearean graphic novels including Hamlet Prince Of Denmark Street, Midsummer Night's Dream Team and his best selling Romeo & Juliet for fans of Dogman and Bunny Vs Monkey. kevfcomicartist.comJoin the Official Comic Cuts Facebook Page, aka Youtoobling, and comment on the show there too, why not?

It's a double Yay, since we did one yesterday. Our guests today are Max Tachis & Roneet Aliza Rahamim, a married couple who are also two talented actors, who have worked with City Lights Theatre, Golden Thread and Los Altos Stage Company, among others. Jake and I talk about their upbring, how they met, what's it like working together on stage and their future. You can reach Max directly via his Instagram: @maxdoesnthaveig You can reach Roneet directly via her Instagram: @roroiii If you had ever went to a Douglas Morrison Production, you would have seen amazingly built sets, created by the resident set designer, Tom Earlywine. Most of the staff was let go immediately after COVID, but all of us remember the excellent work of Tom. I'm sad to report that Tom passed away June 16, after a heart attack – he leaves behind his wife and two children. They have a Go Fund Me page to help them with funeral bills and other financial demands – if you ever cared for the great work of Tom Earlywine, I invite you to give – whatever you have. The link to the page is here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-jenny-peter-and-sally-after-toms-passing?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e227_tv2_tp1_a1dennhbg3mj0m SHOWS: The Prince, Part I & II (Central Works) July 18 – Sept 6 (Pt I); Aug 1 – Sept 6 (Pt. II) Brennan Pickman-Thoon (Episode 281) is in the show Marah Sotelo (Episode 124) is in Part II Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) wrote and directed the show https://centralworks.org Hairspray (SF Playhouse) July 10 – Sept 12 Adam Kuveniemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2025-2026-season/hairspray/ Present Laughter (Orinda Starlight Players) July 24 – August 15 Max Chang (Episode 247) is in the show https://www.orsvp.org/present-laughter Newsies (Castro Valley Arts Foundation) July 24 – Aug 9 Paul Plain (Episode 125) is in the show https://cvartsfoundation.org/shows/ Antony & Cleopatra (SF Shakes) July 25 – Sept 27 Elizabeth Carter (Episode 159) is in the show https://sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/ac/ El Silencio Arido Del Agua or The Arid Silence of the Water (Brava) Aug 5 – Aug 16 Virginia Blanco (Episode 238) is directing the show Taylor Gonzalez (Episode 342) is the projectionist and programmer for the show https://www.brava.org/all-events/lelsilencio-5bpzg Julius Caesar (Marin Shakes) Aug 14 – Sept 13 Jon Tracy (Episode 169) is in the show Brady Morales-Woolery (Episode 305) is in the show Dave Garrett (Episode 123) is in the show Ray Archie (Episode 365) is the sound designer David Maier (Episode 301) is the fight coordinator Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is the intimacy coordinator https://www.marinshakespeare.org/julius-caesar/ A Midsummer Night's Dream (Actor's Ensemble) Aug 22 – Sept 7 Cynthia Lagodzinski (Episodes 96 & 266) is in the show Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is in the show https://www.aeofberkeley.org/94-news/latest-news/430-a-midsummer-night-s-dream-opens-august-22nd-2026 South Pacific (6th Street Playhouse) Aug 21 – Sept 20 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://6thstreetplayhouse.com/shows/rodgers-hammersteins-south-pacific/ Eureka Day (City Lights Theatre) Sept 24 – Oct 18 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is in the show Jonathan Spector (Episode 280) wrote this Tony winning play https://cltc.org/event/eureka-day/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Carlos Aguirre is our next guest on The Yay. He is the four and latest member of the rap group Felonious that we've interviewed on The Yay. We talk about his upbringing, his involvement in Felonious, his theatre background and where he sees himself in the future. You can reach Carlos directly via Instagram: @emceeinfinite You can listen to his music here: emceeinfinite.bandcamp.com/album/lykyk Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. Congrats to Charles Blads Barbershop for winning the Best of 2026 BusinessRate Award! I get my hair cut by Charles Blades every month and I've always enjoyed the experience. Book an appointment online here: https://www.charlesblades.com Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: The Prince, Part I & II (Central Works) July 18 – Sept 6 (Pt I); Aug 1 – Sept 6 (Pt. II) Brennan Pickman-Thoon (Episode 281) is in the show Marah Sotelo (Episode 124) is in Part II Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) wrote and directed the show https://centralworks.org Hairspray (SF Playhouse) July 10 – Sept 12 Adam Kuveniemann is in the show https://sfplayhouse.org/2025-2026-season/hairspray/ Present Laughter (Orinda Starlight Players) July 24 – August 15 Max Chang (Episode 247) is in the show https://www.orsvp.org/present-laughter Newsies (Castro Valley Arts Foundation) July 24 – Aug 9 Paul Plain (Episode 125) is in the show https://cvartsfoundation.org/shows/ Antony & Cleopatra (SF Shakes) July 25 – Sept 27 Elizabeth Carter (Episode 159) is in the show https://sfshakes.org/performance/free-shakes/ac/ El Silencio Arido Del Agua or The Arid Silence of the Water (Brava) Aug 5 – Aug 16 Virginia Blanco (Episode 238) is directing the show Taylor Gonzalez (Episode 342) is the projectionist and programmer for the show https://www.brava.org/all-events/lelsilencio-5bpzg Julius Caesar (Marin Shakes) Aug 14 – Sept 13 Jon Tracy (Episode 169) is in the show Brady Morales-Woolery (Episode 305) is in the show Dave Garrett (Episode 123) is in the show Ray Archie (Episode 365) is the sound designer David Maier (Episode 301) is the fight coordinator Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is the intimacy coordinator https://www.marinshakespeare.org/julius-caesar/ A Midsummer Night's Dream (Actor's Ensemble) Aug 22 – Sept 7 Cynthia Lagodzinski (Episodes 96 & 266) is in the show Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is in the show https://www.aeofberkeley.org/94-news/latest-news/430-a-midsummer-night-s-dream-opens-august-22nd-2026 Eureka Day (City Lights Theatre) Sept 24 – Oct 18 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is in the show Jonathan Spector (Episode 280) wrote this Tony winning play https://cltc.org/event/eureka-day/ South Pacific (6th Street Playhouse) Aug 21 – Sept 20 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show https://6thstreetplayhouse.com/shows/rodgers-hammersteins-south-pacific/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

For the past three decades, the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company has offered free outdoor theater performances to Boston audiences. This year, they're staging “A Midsummer Night's Dream” — the same play they produced in 1996.

Director Jean Hardie and student actors from Spokane Civic Theatre's A Midsummer Night's Dream visited the SPR studio to preview the production, including a reading from Shakespeare's legendary script.

Start Name Artist Album Year Comments Heat Wave; It's a Lovely Day Today Gerald Shaw Music From The Movies 5-17 Compton plus Melotone, Odeon Theatre, Leicester Square, London 2:22 Come Rain or Come Shine Larry Vannucci Organ Favourites on the Wurlitzer Pipe Organ [Sequoia LP] 1960 3-13 Wurlitzer, Style 240, Opus 1980; Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco; Larry's first LP, aged 42 6:41 Sidney Torch Hot Pipes pt 1: The Toy Trumpet; I'm Gettin' Sentimental Over You; The Snake Charmer Jim Riggs ATOS 1994 Fresno 1994 4-14 Robert Morton, Warnors Theatre, Fresno, CA; 1 July 1994 10:14 The Summer Knows Gene Roberson Rides The Mighty Wurlitzer [Dean Brown DBP-150] 3-22 Welte Hybrid, Joe Koons' Motor Cycle Showroom, Long Beach, CA 15:28 Hot Lips Bill Vlasak Concert: Pasadena City College 1993-10-23 1993 3-23 Ross Reed Memorial Wurlitzer, Sexson Auditorium, Pasadena City College 18:34 The Summer Wind ERROR This is "The Summer Knows" Kay McAbee Light The Lights: A Musical Tribute [DSP-1406] 1976 3-24 Kimball Hybrid, Hinsdale Theatre, Hinsdale, IL 21:56 Scherzo from A Midsummer Night's Dream William Davies The Organist Entertains [BBC Records REC 72M] 4-14 Wurlitzer, Granada Theatre, Tooting 26:49 The Alamo theme (The Green Leaves of Summer) Jonathan Kleefield Concert: Hanover Theatre, Worcester, MA 2022-09-08 2022 4-36 Wurlitzer, Hanover Theatre, Worcester, MA 29:25 Hot Dog David Gray Eighty Shades of Gray [dg0001] 2018 5-80 Wurlitzer, Sanfilippo Residence, Barrington Hills, IL; rec by Jim Stemke 32:50 Last Of The Summer Wine Ken Stroud The Theatre Organ Club Presents [CL Records & Tapes CLC 8411] 1984 3-8 Wurlitzer, Town Hall, Burton-On-Trent; Formerly Cameo Theatre, Cleveland, OH 35:39 Overture from Orpheus In The Underworld Douglas Reeve Bright 'n Early [COS CD 126] 4-49 HNB Christie, Dome, Brighton 43:53 Summertime Scott Harrison, Mark Page Kingston Keys 2010 4-21 Wurlitzer, Kingston City Hall (formerly Moorabbin), Victoria, Australia; ex-State Theatre, Melbourne 48:33 At The Dance (Summer Days) Richard Hills Hills In The Fens [COS CD 127] 2000 4-22 Compton, plus Melotone, Holbeach, Lincolnshire (David Shepherd) 53:23 Smoke Gets In Your Eyes Del Castillo Pipe Dreams [Concert Recording CR-0084] 1971 4-32 Robert Morton, Fox Theatre, San Diego, CA 57:20 The Burning of Rome Jonas Nordwall Shades of the SF Fox... in your own music room [J. Nelson CD] 2000 4 manual, George Wright Signature Allen

Jen Schriever is a Tony Award–nominated lighting designer working across Broadway, the West End, Off-Broadway, regional theatre, and opera.  Most recently, Schriever received the Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Lighting Design for The Lost Boys at the Palace Theatre, a 12-time Tony Award–nominated production that earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Lighting Design, shared with co–lighting designer Michael Arden.  She received two Tony nominations for her lighting design of A Strange Loop at the Lyceum Theatre and Death of a Salesman at the Hudson Theatre. She is also an Obie Award-winner for Sustained Excellence in Lighting Design and received an Obie Award Special Citation as part of the creative team and ensemble of A Strange Loop.  On Broadway and in the West End, her work includes Art (Music Box Theatre), Glengarry Glen Ross (Palace Theatre), Eureka Day and Lackawanna Blues (MTC, Samuel J. Friedman Theatre), Death of a Salesman (Hudson Theatre), 1776 and Birthday Candles (American Airlines Theatre), A Strange Loop (Lyceum Theatre, The Barbican), Mother Play; Grand Horizons and What the Constitution Means to Me (Helen Hayes Theater), The Lifespan of a Fact (Studio 54), Eclipsed (Golden Theatre), and John Leguizamo's Ghetto Klown (Lyceum Theatre and HBO).  Off-Broadway and New York credits include Antigone (This Play I Read in High School) and The Other Americans (Public Theater), Strategic Love Play (Audible, Minetta Lane Theatre), Spain (Second Stage, Tony Kiser Theatre), Shhh (Atlantic Theater Company), Power Strip (Lincoln Center Theater, Claire Tow Theater), Usual Girls (Roundabout Theatre Company), Strange Interlude (Irondale Theatre, Transport Group), Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas (New Victory Theater), and Selling Kabul (Playwrights Horizons).  Regionally, her work includes Uncle Vanya (Berkeley Repertory Theatre), Highway Patrol (Goodman Theatre), Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical (American Conservatory Theater), A Transparent Musical (Mark Taper Forum), A Strange Loop (Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company). She earned a Helen Hayes award for Private Jones at Signature Theatre DC.  In opera, Schriever has designed A Thousand Splendid Suns (Seattle Opera), Iphigenia (tour), The Pearl Fishers and Die Fledermaus (Metropolitan Opera), and La Traviata, Faust, and A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Mariinsky Theatre in Russia, as well as The Pearl Fishers for English National Opera in London.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the death of composer Benjamin Britten. From his opera "A Midsummer Night's Dream," based on Shakespeare's famous play, we present a recording conducted by Britten himself, featuring the fantastical and mystical fairy chorus that graces the climax of the story. Ayako Ohtake, a Sydney-based Japanese soprano singer, has selected 'Now the hungry lion roars' this month. Ayako hosts monthly music segment called VIVA! Opera for SBS Japanese. - 今年没後50年を迎えるアニバーサリーイヤーの作曲家、ベンジャミン・ブリテン。シェイクスピアの有名戯曲をもとにしたオペラ「夏の夜の夢」から、ブリテン自身の指揮による録音で、物語のクライマックスを彩る幻想的で神秘的な妖精の合唱を取り上げました。Listen to SBS Japanese Audio on Tue, Thu and Fri from 1pm on SBS 3. Replays from 10pm on Tue, Thu and Sat on SBS1. Listen to past stories from our podcast. Download the free SBS Audio App and don't forget to visit SBS Japanese Facebook and Instagram page! - SBSの日本語放送は火木金の午後１時からSBS3で生放送！火木土の夜10時からはおやすみ前にSBS1で再放送が聞けます。SBS日本語放送ポッドキャストから過去のストーリーを聞くこともできます。無料でダウンロードできるSBS Audio Appもどうぞ。SBS 日本語放送のFacebookとInstagramもお忘れなく。

Send us Fan MailA welcome breeze plays among the reeds and carves ripples on the canal. Tonight, the Erica is moored on a perfect summer's night. We welcome you to join us as enjoy the quiet and go searching for older attitudes to summer, the shifting dates of Midsummer's Eve, and just why Midsummer Night's Dream was so unsummery.  Journal entry:10th July, Friday“Sitting chatting over a mug of tea On the stern of the boat The sound of music and children playing A swirl of energy at the end of day.Voices float across the water That dances with light. A mother with six newly hatched ducklings The sun sinks behind Horse Hill.”Episode Information:In this episode I read short extracts from Miles Hadfield's (1950) An English Almanac published by Dent, and Alexandra Harris' (2015) Weatherland: Writers and artists under English skies published by Thames and Hudson. I also refer to Hana Videen's (2022) The Word Hord: Daily life in old English published by Princeton University Press, Eleanor Parker's (2022) Winters in the World: A journey through the Anglo-Saxon year published by Reaktion Books, and Lia Leendertz's (2024) A Year in Story and Song: A celebration of the seasons published by Hatchette UK.  You can find Karen and Jason's YouTube channel here: Just Two People. With special thanks to our lock-wheelersfor supporting this podcast. Ana McKellar Susan BakerMind Shambles Clare Hollingsworth Kevin B. Fleur and David Mcloughlin Lois Raphael Tania Yorgey Andrea Hansen Chris Hinds Chris and Alan on NB Land of Green Ginger Captain Arlo Rebecca Russell Allison on the narrowboat Mukka Derek and Pauline Watts Anna V. Orange Cookie Mary Keane. Tony Rutherford. Arabella Holzapfel. Rory with MJ and Kayla. Narrowboat Precious Jet. Linda Reynolds Burkins. Richard Noble. Carol Ferguson. Tracie Thomas Mark and Tricia Stowe Madeleine SmithGeneral DetailsThe intro and the outro music is ‘Crying Cello' by Oleksii_Kalyna (2024) licensed for free-use by Pixabay (189988). Narrowboat engine recorded by 'James2nd' on the River Weaver, Cheshire. Uploaded to Freesound.org on 23rd June 2018. Creative Commons Licence. Piano and keyboard interludes composed and performed by Helen Ingram.All other audio recorded on site. Support the showBecome a 'Lock-Wheeler'Would you like to support this podcast by becoming a 'lock-wheeler' for Nighttime on Still Waters? Find out more: 'Lock-wheeling' for Nighttime on Still Waters.ContactFacebook at https://www.facebook.com/noswpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nighttimeonstillwaters/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/noswpod.bsky.socialMastodon: https://mastodon.world/@nosw  I would love to hear from you. You can email me at nighttimeonstillwaters@gmail.com or drop me a line by going to the nowspod website and using either the contact form or, if you prefer, record your message by clicking on the microphone icon. For more information about Nighttime on Still WatersYou can find more information and photographs about the podcasts and life aboard the Erica on our website at noswpod.com. 

For the latest Whisper in the Wings from Stage Whisper, we bring you coverage of the annual Capital Classics' 25th Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival. And to talk to us about this fun family summer tradition were board members Edwin thrower and Herb Emanuelson. This year the company is presenting Shakespeare's Measure for Measure and A Midsummer Night's Dream. SO make sure that you hit play and get your tickets today!Capital Classics Presents35th Greater Hartford Shakespeare FestivalFeaturing Measure for Measure and A Midsummer Night's DreamJuly 8th-August 2nd@ The University of Saint Joseph (West Hartford, CT)Tickets and more information are available at capitalclassics.orgAnd be sure to follow our guests to stay up to date on all their upcoming projects and productions:capitalclassics.org@capitalclassics

 Listen to the Show Right Click to Save GuestsThe Stage Austin Fool For LoveCity Theatre Company A Midsummer Night's Dream What We Talked About Broadway Cares give 3 million New Musical Theatre Festival Gramercy Arts Theatre & Repretoio Expanol Sinatra The Musical United Miles for Broadway Dolly A True American musical Rip Louise Lasser Hot Dog in Times Square Anne Frank Musical 10 most mind altering theatre moments Thank you to Dean Johanesen, lead singer of "The Human Condition" who gave us permission to use "Step Right Up" as our theme song, so please visit their website.. they're good! (that's an order)   

It's André Sills's biggest season yet at Ontario's Stratford Festival. The award-winning actor is taking on two of Shakespeare's most iconic roles: Oberon, the King of the Fairies in A Midsummer Night's Dream, and the title role in Othello, one of Shakespeare's most powerful and controversial tragedies. André joins Tom to talk about travelling to Italy, Cyprus and Morocco to prepare for Othello, and how a church production first set him on the path to a career in theatre.

"Now the sun burns my heart and the sand hurts my feelings" This is a re-air of one of our favorite episodes. We're  looking at the literary symbolism of summer — freedom, danger, nostalgia, and everything in between. Jenn breaks down "Cruel Summer" (Lover, 2019), Jodi covers "August" (folklore, 2020), and Maansi digs into "hits different" (Midnights, 2023). Along the way we bring in The Great Gatsby, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and more to unpack why summer shows up in literature as both a season of freedom and a season that can cut you to the bone. Two ways to get more of AP Taylor Swift:  Substack: free subscribers get episode updates. Paid subscribers get After School: bonus episodes, our full written archive, and a vote in what we cover next.  Subscribe: http://aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe First 50 people to grab a Substack After School annual plan get 40% off: https://aptaylorswift.substack.com/wishlistmemberdiscount  Apple Podcasts: paid subscribers get ad-free episodes, early episode access, and bonus episodes Mentioned in this episode: The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald A Room with a View, E.M. Forster A Midsummer Night's Dream, William Shakespeare My Ántonia, Willa Cather A Wrinkle in Time, Madeleine L'Engle What Happened to Goodbye, Sarah Dessen "White Houses", Vanessa Carlton   Episode Highlights: [02:30] Topic introduction — Summer in literature [09:32] "Cruel Summer" (Lover, 2019) [20:05] "August" (folklore, 2020) [34:05] "hits different" (Midnights, 2023)   Follow AP Taylor Swift podcast on social! TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwift Instagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwift YouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwift Link Tree → linktr.ee/aptaylorswift Bookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/apts Libro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibro Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com Affiliate Codes: Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off! Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.  

Retired federal judge Nancy Gertner zooms in for a Monday catch-up of all the SCOTUS news ... plus, Trump's efforts to again delay his $5m sexual abuse payout to E Jean Carroll.Khalil Gibran Muhammad, professor of African American Studies at Princeton, reflects on this fraught July 4 holiday.Chris Dempsey and Bill Straus join for a transit panel as Blue Hill Ave gets some attention ... We'll also discuss transit amid the World Cup.Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's Karen MacDonald and Steven Maler join ahead of their free productions on Boston Common of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

In this summer episode of The Classical Mind, hosts Dr. Junius Johnson and Father Wesley Walker welcome back three-time guest Heidi White, co-host of the Close Reads podcast and author of The Divided Soul. Together, the trio dives deep into William Shakespeare's beloved masterpiece, A Midsummer Night's Dream, analyzing its intricate narrative layers through the compelling lens of duty versus desire.While often celebrated for its lighthearted magical antics and brilliant comedic performance, the hosts unpack the surprisingly dark premise that sets the play in motion: forced marriages, legal coercion, and the stripping away of individual autonomy. From the rigid laws of Athens to the chaotic, transformative "green world" of the forest, this conversation explores how Shakespeare juxtaposes cold logic with wild imagination.Endnotes* Heidi: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern* Junius: Dear Brutus by J.M. Barrie* Wesley: The Hazards of Love by the Decemberists This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe

In Shakespeare's play, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Puck has a line that says "And now they never meet in grove or green, By fountain clear, or spangled starlight sheen..." In Taming of the Shrew, Petruchio uses this term again saying, "What stars do spangle heaven with such beauty..." In a similar description again from Midsummer, Lysander says "Fair Helena, who more engilds the night Than all you fiery oes and eyes of light." If you're not familiar with Engilding the night, that's a word that means "to make bright…often referring to a golden light." It's been around since the 15th century, but what all of these references have in common is they are talking about making something shiny, and in Shakespeare's England the best way to make something look like it glittered was to attach what's called a "spangle" or an "Oe" spelled "oe." Essentially, these were early modern sequins. Some surviving examples of 17th century spangles were discovered in Jamestown, Virginia, and are housed inside the collections at Jamestown Rediscovery, which jointly manages Historic Jamestowne alongside the National Park Service. One of the curators involved in that project, Janene Johnston, is here with us today to explain how spangles worked, the history of the ones they found in Virginia, and what the surviving artifacts reveal about how spangles were used in Shakespeare's lifetime. 

On today's show, host Esty Dinur celebrates Juneteenth, “America's second Independence Day,” with Dr. Timothy Golden. They talk about the symbolic importance of this federal holiday and how the US still struggles to make freedom meaningful for Black people. Juneteenth was made a federal holiday in 2021 after decades of campaigning by former teacher Opal Lee. Dr. Golden says that Juneteenth becomes “hollow” when we juxtapose the recognition of emancipation with Congress's inability to pass meaningful police and voting rights reform. The spirit of celebration is “neutralized” by the treacherous and tragic reality that enslaved Black people in Texas were kept enslaved after emancipation and the bad faith of our federal institutions who will not pass legislation that would support symbolic celebrations like Juneteenth.  In the wake of emancipation, Dr. Golden says that we think of freedom too narrowly. He points to the work of Reconstruction that was ultimately undercut in the way that racial terror continued under state law. He says that full democratic participation continues to be deferred for Black Americans because of mass incarceration and voter suppression. They also discuss Dr. Golden's experience as an actor, the “white gaze,” and the philosophy of Ida B. Wells.  Timothy J. Golden is Visiting Professor of Philosophy at Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA. His areas of philosophical specialization are Africana Philosophy (African American Social and Political Thought, Critical Race Theory, and Black Male Studies), Philosophy of Religion, and 19th and 20th Century European Philosophy. His books include Frederick Douglass and the Philosophy of Religion: An Interpretation of Narrative, Art, and the Political (Lexington Books, 2022), and Racism and Resistance: Essays on Derrick Bell’s Racial Realism (State University of New York Press, 2022). He is also a lawyer with more than 20 years experience concentrating in criminal defense, and he is an actor in local theater with solo performances in the stage plays Thurgood (portraying Thurgood Marshall) and How I Learned What I Learned (portraying August Wilson), and performances in  Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice (Shylock), The Winter’s Tale (Leontes, King of Sicily), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Peter Quince).  Tim earned his Juris Doctor from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University and his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Memphis.  Featured image of a Juneteenth parade in Denver, CO via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0). Did you enjoy this story? Your funding makes great, local journalism like this possible. Donate hereThe post Celebrate Juneteenth, But Keep Working appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

Send us Fan MailNOTE: SIX of the titles will release August 4th, instead of July 28th: Random Harvest, The Sisters, Presenting Lily Mars, Macao, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and The Seventh Cross.July's Warner Archive lineup spans Technicolor adventure, razor-sharp noir, pre-Code troublemaking, MGM romance, big-studio prestige, and WWII realism, all framed by what it takes to bring classic films to Blu-ray. We share what's new in the restorations, what extras make each disc worth owning, and why these titles still delight us decades later. Moviezyng JULY pre-orders are now available.Moviezyng link: Letty Lynton (1932) DVDAmazon pre-orders: still pending Moviezyng Affiliate LinkThe Extras Facebook pageThe Extras TV YouTube ChannelThe Extras Twitter Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog GroupJoin our new public Facebook Group for Warner Archive Animation Fans and get the latest update on all the releases.As an Amazon and Moviezyng Affiliate, The Extras may receive a commission for purchases through our purchase links.  There is no additional cost to you, and every little bit helps us in the production of the podcast.  Thanks in advance.Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers.  Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals.  info@theextras.tv

One small step into the wrong classroom becomes a giant leap into a new life as a Shakespearean actor. That's how Jacob Ming-Trent tells it in his remarkable one-man tour-de-force, How Shakespeare Saved My Life. As the Folger prepares to welcome How Shakespeare Saved My Life to the stage this June, Ming-Trent joins us to delve deeper into his story. Ming-Trent is no stranger to the Folger stage, having previously presented How Shakespeare Saved My Life at the 2024 Reading Room Festival and portrayed Nick Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream in 2022. A multitalented stage and screen actor, he has appeared in Broadway musicals from Gypsy to Shrek, television series like Watchmen and Ray Donovan, and films including The Forty-Year-Old Version and Friendship. In this episode, Ming-Trent presents Shakespeare as an urban poet in the vein of Tupac and Biggie. He breaks down the inspiration behind How Shakespeare Saved My Life and how he brings his own experience to his interpretation of Shakespeare's words, rearranging and reframing them to create something uniquely personal.

There's something strange in these woods! Fairies and doppelgängers and donkey-heads abound — can Lady Godwin, Winnie-the-Pooh, and Brother Phileaux stop Puck from eating Shakespeare before they fall under the forest's enchantment? Additional Music in this Episode: "Discovery" by Kirk Osamayo: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/kirk-osamayo/; and "Thatched Villagers" and "Clothe the Fields with Plenty" by Axletree: https://youtube.com/c/AxletreeMusic.  Happy MaxFunDrive! Right now is the best time to start a membership to support your favorite shows. Learn more and join at https://maximumfun.org/jointaz