Podcast appearances and mentions of richard ii

14th-century King of England and Duke of Aquitaine

  • 274PODCASTS
  • 552EPISODES
  • 47mAVG DURATION
  • 1WEEKLY EPISODE
  • May 30, 2025LATEST
richard ii

POPULARITY

20172018201920202021202220232024


Best podcasts about richard ii

Show all podcasts related to richard ii

Latest podcast episodes about richard ii

Gone Medieval
How to Survive the 14th Century

Gone Medieval

Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 58:27


Matt Lewis dives into the dramatic and transformative 14th century with historian Helen Carr, from the drama of the Peasants' Revolt, where commoners breached the mighty Tower of London and terrified a young King Richard II to the chaos of the Black Death and its surprising aftermath—an age of opportunity and change. From Edward II's controversial reign to Richard II's downfall, Matt and Helen uncover the gripping stories and seismic shifts of the 14th century to discover how resilience and upheaval forged modern Britain.MOREPeasants' Revolthttps://open.spotify.com/episode/793WPDhg8myDcHJLk2jw2tThe Black Deathhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/0rfU8b4CEDUQZ9YOpH8X4oGone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis. It was edited by Amy Haddow, the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK

This is History: A Dynasty to Die For
Season 7 | 4. The Tyranny Begins

This is History: A Dynasty to Die For

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 26:36


After surviving the Peasants' Revolt, Richard II comes out on top. He has violently suppressed the rebels  and married the well-credentialed Anne of Bohemia. But this Plantagenet has his eye on another playmate, the handsome Robert De Vere. Richard's wandering eye could spell disaster for England's fortunes. If you want to find out more about the last time a King had a handsome playmate, listen to This Is History's second bonus episode from season five. You can also find out more about Anne of Bohemia and the regal reputation she carried in this week's bonus episode. Head to our Patreon to  vote on future episodes, join in on some spicy court gossip on This Is History chat rooms, and hear from Dan and the rest of the royal council. We'd love to see you there: patreon.com/thisishistory A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Presented by Dan Jones Producer - Alan Weedon Senior Producer - Selina Ream Executive Producer - Louisa Field Production Manager - Jen Mistri Production coordinator - Eric Ryan Sound Design and Mixing - Amber Devereux Head of content - Chris Skinner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From the Mezzanine | A Broadway Podcast
Broadway & West End Review Round-Up: Richard II, Devil Wears Prada, Real Women Have Curves, & more!

From the Mezzanine | A Broadway Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 50:26


Hi, Broadway Besties! Lindsey's back from London, and it's time to catch you all up! Website: www.fromthemezzanine.comPatreon: Click HERE to become a Broadway Bestie TikTok: @FromTheMezzanineBroadwayInstagram: @FromTheMezzanineBroadwayYoutube: @FromtheMezzanineBroadwayBroadway Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5t55fULcCqN0NMmK4OnfOA?si=89c08b1a8bb34d95

BroadwayRadio
This Week on Broadway for May 18, 2025: Peter’s London Trip

BroadwayRadio

Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2025 62:32


Peter Filichia, James Marino, and Michael Portantiere talk about Peter’s trip to London where he saw Oliver!, The Devil Wears Prada, Les Mis, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Richard II, My Masterbuilder, Here We Are (Sondheim), and The Comedy About Spies. Back on stateside, Peter saw A Little Night read more The post This Week on Broadway for May 18, 2025: Peter’s London Trip appeared first on BroadwayRadio.

This is History: A Dynasty to Die For
Season 7 | 2. Death and Taxes

This is History: A Dynasty to Die For

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 28:05


Richard II's reign is not off to a good start – find out more about the runners and riders in this week's bonus episode. You can also visit patreon.com/thisishistory to become a Royal Favourite member to get extra perks on top of bonus episodes, which gives you access to the Royal Court chat room, and get the chance to submit episode ideas fo Dan. Trouble looms as the French and the Scots sense weakness in the English rule, drunk sailors sink a fleet of warships and the highest legal authorities are run out of towns. It's the start of a bloody conflict that will see the Tower of London breached for the first and only time. A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Presented by Dan Jones Senior Producer - Dominic Tyerman Executive Producer - Louisa Field Production Manager - Jen Mistri Production coordinator: Eric Ryan Marketing - Kieran Lancini Sound Design and Mixing - Amber Devereux Head of content – Chris Skinner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Choses à Savoir
Pourquoi remet-on des coupes aux vainqueurs d'épreuves sportives ?

Choses à Savoir

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 2:33


Remettre une coupe aux vainqueurs d'épreuves sportives est aujourd'hui un geste symbolique universel. Mais d'où vient cette tradition ? Pourquoi une coupe, et pas une médaille, une couronne ou un simple diplôme ? Pour le comprendre, il faut plonger dans l'histoire antique et médiévale, car l'origine de cette pratique remonte à plusieurs siècles, voire millénaires.1. L'Antiquité : des prix prestigieux mais sans coupeDans la Grèce antique, les vainqueurs des Jeux olympiques recevaient une couronne d'olivier sauvage (kotinos), symbole de gloire mais dépourvue de valeur matérielle. À Rome, les récompenses étaient plus concrètes : argent, objets de valeur, parfois même la liberté pour certains esclaves ou gladiateurs. Mais là encore, la coupe n'est pas encore une récompense codifiée.2. Le Moyen Âge : la coupe comme trophée et symbole festifC'est au Moyen Âge que la coupe commence à acquérir une signification particulière. Lors des joutes et tournois, les seigneurs ou souverains offraient aux vainqueurs des coupes en argent ou en or, souvent gravées et ornées, en guise de trophée. Mais à cette époque, la coupe n'est pas qu'un objet symbolique : elle est aussi utilisée pendant le banquet organisé après l'épreuve. Le vainqueur y boit à la santé de ses pairs, de son suzerain, ou de sa dame, dans une célébration qui mêle honneur, victoire et convivialité.Un exemple célèbre est celui du tournoi de Smithfield en 1390, organisé à Londres par Richard II d'Angleterre. Lors de ce grand tournoi, des coupes richement décorées furent remises aux chevaliers distingués, et le roi, selon les récits, fit porter à ses favoris des goblets d'argent remplis de vin épicé, que l'on trinquait à la victoire dans la grande salle du palais. Ces objets restaient ensuite comme souvenirs tangibles de leur exploit, et circulaient parfois comme de véritables trésors dans les familles nobles.3. Renaissance et époque moderne : la coupe devient un symbole figéAvec le temps, la coupe cesse d'être utilisée pour boire et devient un objet uniquement honorifique. Elle perd sa fonction de récipient au profit d'un rôle de trophée décoratif, souvent exposé dans les maisons ou châteaux. Aux XVIIIe et XIXe siècles, dans les compétitions sportives, artistiques ou intellectuelles, la coupe est le prix ultime, symbole de prestige social.4. Époque contemporaine : une tradition sportive universelleL'usage se généralise avec les compétitions sportives modernes. Dès 1871, la FA Cup anglaise consacre la coupe comme trophée officiel du football. Aujourd'hui, la Coupe du Monde de la FIFA, la Stanley Cup ou encore la Coupe Davis reprennent cette tradition. Même si plus personne ne boit dans ces coupes, leur forme évoque toujours la célébration, la victoire... et le banquet festif d'autrefois.En résuméOn remet des coupes aux vainqueurs car, depuis le Moyen Âge, la coupe incarne à la fois la victoire, la fête et le souvenir. Sa fonction première de récipient à boire s'est peu à peu transformée en symbole universel de triomphe et de reconnaissance publique. Hébergé par Acast. Visitez acast.com/privacy pour plus d'informations.

Women and Shakespeare
S5: E4: Dominique Le Gendre on Composing Music for Shakespeare Plays

Women and Shakespeare

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 33:45


Send us a textDominique Le Gendre discusses composing music for Shakespeare plays, including Richard II at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse and The Complete Arkangel Shakespeare audio recordings.For a complete episode transcript, click http://www.womenandshakespeare.comDominique Le Gendre's Website: https://www.dominiquelegendre.com/Interviewer: Varsha PanjwaniGuest: Dominique Le GendreResearcher: Grayson YuzonProducers: Alyssa GoodwinTranscript: Benjamin PooreArtwork: Wenqi WanSuggested Citation:  Le Gendre, Dominique in conversation with Panjwani, Varsha (2025). Dominique  Le Gendre on Composing Music for Shakespeare Plays [Podcast], Series 5, Ep.4. http://womenandshakespeare.com/Twitter: @earlymoderndoc Insta: earlymoderndocEmail: earlymoderndoc@gmail.com

This is History: A Dynasty to Die For
Introducing… Season Seven of a Dynasty to Die for

This is History: A Dynasty to Die For

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 1:27


This is the story of the ultimate frenemies that will see a cataclysmic shift in power away from the Plantagenets. The warrior king Edward III is dying and disaster looms when his grandson, the child king Richard II, is crowned. It's not long before he clashes with his cousin, Henry, in a classic tragedy of boyhood companions turned deadly rivals. A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Presented by Dan Jones Senior Producer - Dominic Tyerman Executive Producer - Louisa Field Production Manager - Jen Mistri Production coordinator: Eric Ryan Marketing - Kieran Lancini Mixing - Gulliver Lawrence Tickell Head of content – Chris Skinner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Willy Willy Harry Stee...
The Legacy Of Edward III

Willy Willy Harry Stee...

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 61:05


We're still in the 14th century and in this episode, Charlie Higson is looking at the confusion that ensued after Edward III basically had too many sons. His success in the bedroom created a tangled web of family intrigue, thwarted ambition and bitter rivalry that led to Richard II's cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, kicking him off the throne and taking over. Assisting Charlie through this quagmire of power and revenge is Helen Castor, author of The Eagle & The Hart : The Tragedy Of Richard II and Henry IV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Willy Willy Harry Stee...
John Wycliffe

Willy Willy Harry Stee...

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 62:01


As Charlie Higson guides us through some of the fascinating folk who litter English history, he lands upon John Wycliffe, an academic, a philosopher, a priest, a preacher and a religious reformer who lived during the reigns of Edward III and Richard II. A passionate reformer, he was behind the first translation of the bible to into English – creating the so called Wycliffe bible - one that didn't require a knowledge of Latin to read and understand. In fact, you could even argue that Wycliffe's ideas fed into the beginnings of socialism in the UK and the foundation of the welfare state. Helping Charlie understand the man, he welcomes back Rory Cox, author of John Wycliffe on War & Peace Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The History Of European Theatre
Richard II: ‘Sad Stories of the Death of Kings'

The History Of European Theatre

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 35:52


Episode 158Picking up the journey through Shakespeare's plays with 'Richard II'A brief summary of the playThe early performance history of the playThe early print history of the playThe variations in the quarto editions concerning the deposition sceneThe sources for the playThe role of the play in the Essex rebellionThe historical accuracy of the playThe dramatic arcs travelled by Richard and BolingbrokeThe political represented in the personal through the female rolesThe significant role of minor charactersHow verse is used in the play to distinguish the noble charactersThe question of the divine right of kings and how it affects Richard's characterThe end of the play, Bolingbroke's regrets, and how we might feel about themThe later performance history of the playSupport the podcast at:www.thehistoryofeuropeantheatre.comwww.patreon.com/thoetpwww.ko-fi.com/thoetp Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hallowed Histories
Sub-Zero by SA Harris - Hallowed Histories Presents The Winter Tales 2024

Hallowed Histories

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2025 25:00


Finally Winter appears to be coming to an end, and so too our strand of Winter Tales. Behind me you can probably hear the fire crackling on the hearth, but soon we will warm ourselves with the return of the sun, taking the chill off our bones and quickening the long Winter nights. However, we couldn't leave you without one last, sharp icicle of fear to remind you that we are not out of the woods and into the meadow just yet. Tonight's story, Sub-Zero is a cold walk in a dark place, courtesy of writer and friend of the podcast, SA Harris. We had the honors of hosting a few events last year to promote their second novel, Seahurst, a chilling tale of ghosts and the unquiet past on the Suffolk coast. Subzero should give you a taste of that novel, and we heartily recommend you pick up a copy.  Tonight's reader is Ruby Bardwell Dix, one of East Anglia's most promising new acting talents. She is fresh off a barnstorming production of Richard II on the stage, and will soon join the pantheon of iconic horror character as the Shadow Woman in the forthcoming film The Spirit Lock, shot on the Suffolk Borders. So please enjoy one more shot ice-cold darkness before it melts away for good, SA Harris's Sub-Zero.... 

As the Actress said to the Critic
Bonus episode: Interviews with Jonathan Bailey, Hayley Atwell, Tom Hiddleston, Mason Alexander Park and Jamie Lloyd in a Shakespeare bonanza!

As the Actress said to the Critic

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 17:27


With two major Shakespeare productions opening in two days in London, WhatsOnStage's intrepid deputy editor Tom Millward went to visit Jonathan Bailey at the Bridge Theatre to discuss all things Richard II, before sailing up the river for a spell at Theatre Royal Drury Lane; where Tom Hiddleston, Hayley Atwell, Mason Alexander Park and more are tackling much-loved comedy Much Ado About Nothing. We also got some intriguing tidbits from Jamie Lloyd about what might be on the horizon... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

History Rage
Kings, Nobles, and the True Politics of Patronage: The Real Game of Thrones with Helen Castor

History Rage

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 56:57


In this captivating episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by the esteemed historian and author Helen Castor, known for her works "Blood and Roses," "She Wolves," and "The Eagle in the Heart." Together, they embark on a deep dive into the complex world of mediaeval kingship and politics, challenging the simplistic view of mediaeval nobility as mere overgrown toddlers.Helen Castor's Journey:A lifelong passion for history, from childhood readings of Jean Plaidy to becoming a renowned author and historian.Her academic path from Cambridge to narrative history, focusing on the political history of late mediaeval England.Debunking Myths of Mediaeval Nobility:Challenging the notion that mediaeval lords were unruly toddlers needing constant distraction through war and gifts.Exploring the sophisticated political system and the relationship between kings and barons.Complexity of Mediaeval Politics:The role of the king as a referee in the political game, managing the ambitions and power of the nobility.The impact of external wars, such as the Hundred Years War, on internal stability and politics.The Role of Patronage:Understanding patronage as a crucial component of mediaeval politics, not just a means of keeping nobles in line.The importance of personal relationships and the impact of favourites on political dynamics.Historical Figures and Events:Examining the reigns of Richard II and Henry VI, highlighting their failures as kings and the resulting political turmoil.The significance of figures like Warwick the Kingmaker and the impact of usurpation on royal authority.Helen and Paul engage in a lively discussion, shedding light on the intricacies of mediaeval politics and the human stories behind historical events. Listeners are invited to reconsider the narratives surrounding mediaeval kingship and the true nature of the nobility.Guest Information:Explore Helen Castor's works, including "The Eagle and the Hart," available in the History Rage bookshop.Follow Helen on Twitter: @hrcastor.Join the conversation and express your historical vexations on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook at @HistoryRage or with Paul Bavill at @PaulBavill. Share your thoughts using the hashtag #HistoryRage.Support History Rage on Patreon for early episode access, the chance to submit questions to guests, prize draws, and the exclusive History Rage mug at www.patreon.com/historyrage.Stay Angry, Stay Informed - History Rage Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Front Row
Review: A Thousand Blows, Richard II, Perspectives by Laurent Binet

Front Row

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 42:12


John Mullan and Caroline Frost join Tom to review Steven Knight's new historical drama A Thousand Blows, Nicolas Hytner's production of Richard II staring Jonathan Bailey and novel Perspectives by Laurent BinetPresenter: Tom Sutcliffe Producer: Ciaran Bermingham

Mickey-Jo Theatre Reviews
Richard II starring Jonathan Bailey (Bridge Theatre, London) - ★★★★ REVIEW

Mickey-Jo Theatre Reviews

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 20:40


In a new week of London Theatre openings, Jonathan Bailey is starring in a new production of William Shakespeare's RICHARD II at the Bridge Theatre.Check out this review to find out what Mickey-Jo thought of this production, Bailey's leading performance and the supporting cast.Don't forget to comment below with your thoughts on the play, and make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss upcoming reviews including more Shakespeare!•00:00 | introduction02:49 | overview / synopsis07:31 | Jonathan Bailey as Richard12:35 | supporting performances16:54 | creative choices•About Mickey-Jo:As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 70,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre

The Podcast of the Lotus Eaters
PREVIEW: Epochs #198 | Richard II

The Podcast of the Lotus Eaters

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 22:52


This week, Beau talks all about Richard II, the grandson of Edward III. At just 10 years old, he inherited the throne, and a few years later, he faced a major uprising against taxes during the Peasants' Revolt of 1381. Later, he was overthrown by his cousin, Henry Bolingbroke (the future Henry IV), imprisoned, and likely starved to death.

Willy Willy Harry Stee...
Empress Matilda

Willy Willy Harry Stee...

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2025 67:05


Imagine the scene. You're the king but through tragic circumstances you have no legitimate male heirs. To maintain the lineage, you agree with those in power that your daughter would become Queen on your death. They all agree. Jobs a good 'un.That is until you die and your daughter's pesky cousin, a bloke, nips in and steals the crown.Farfetched? Not at all and in this episode, Charlie Higson uncovers the life of the woman who had the throne pinched from under her, Empress Matilda. To assist Charlie, he is joined once again by best-selling author and historian Helen Castor, author of She Wolves and last year's acclaimed The Eagle & The Hart - The Biography of Richard II.Oh and if you haven't listened to Episodes 5 & 6 of the first series of Willy Willy Harry Stee, you might want to start there, it tells the story of Matilda's father, Henry I and her throne-stealing cousin, Stephen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That Shakespeare Life
Henry IV, Henry V, and King Richard II

That Shakespeare Life

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 34:50


The spectacular downfall of King Richard II, followed by the successors Henry IV and then Henry V, are famously depicted in Shakespeare's plays. The Life and Death of King Richard II is a prequel to what's known as Shakespeare's Henriad plays, or the Henry Plays, consisting of Henry IV Part 1, Henry IV part 2, and Henry V. Richard II is believed to have been written around 1595, and while the plays tow the line in terms of what Tudor monarchs would have wanted you to believe the histories of these men, there are some places where Shakespeare's version conflicts with known history about Richard II and Henry IV. Our guest this week has recently completed a book on both these Kings of England, titled appropriately, THE EAGLE AND THE HART: The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV, in which she details the real history of two of the most famous, yet also two of the most often misunderstood (thanks in no small part to Shakespeare) Kings of England. To help us wade into Shakespeare's history plays and sort out fact from fiction, we are delighted to welcome Helen Castor to the show today.   Get bonus episodes on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Willy Willy Harry Stee...
LIVE EVENT - How To Depose A Medieval Ruler

Willy Willy Harry Stee...

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 68:23


In this special Medieval guest-fest, Charlie Higson welcomes not one but THREE fabulous historians to the show, recorded live in front of an audience at the British Library, as part of Medieval Fest! which took place in December 2024. The discussion was 'How To Depose A Medieval Ruler', and Charlie was joined by a star-studded team of experts – Nathen Amin (Son of Prophecy: The Rise of Henry Tudor), Helen Castor (The Eagle and the Hart: The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV) and Lubaaba Al-Azami (Travellers in the Golden Realm: How Mughal India Connected England to the World)It's a chance to take a deep dive into medieval plots, conspiracies and power. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Retrospectors
Best Of 2024: Richard II's Blowout Banquet

The Retrospectors

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2025 13:34


Olly's favourite episode of 2024 unfolds on September 23rd, 1387: the day of the most extravagant feast of the Middle Ages, featuring dishes like broth, venison, roasted swan, and boar-heads… and 12,000 eggs.  It took place at the London home of the Bishop of Durham, and was given in honour of King Richard II. Just 20 years old, Richard had already developed a reputation for extravagant tastes, employing 2,000 cooks to feed his court. But, despite the abundant and luxurious menu, the atmosphere at the feast was likely solemn, given the churchy setting and the era's rigid rules of etiquette.  In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain why the cooks roasted birds in increasingly extravagant styles, yet served spices NEAT; discover how to make a "subtlety"; and dip into the rulebook for the carvers trained in the fine art of slicing and presenting food fit for a King… Further Reading: • ‘King Richard's Feast Of 1387' (OAKDEN): https://oakden.co.uk/king-richard-second-feast-1387/ • 'Oxford Symposium on Food & Cookery' (1990): https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Oxford_Symposium_on_Food_Cookery_1990/XseXnb98h90C?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=23rd+September+1387&pg=PA138&printsec=frontcover • ‘How To Prepare A Traditional Medieval Feast | Let's Cook History' (Chronicle, 2021): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkqQ5iGATrk Love the show? Support us!  Join 

As the Actress said to the Critic
Top tips for shows to see in 2025 - part one

As the Actress said to the Critic

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2025 31:08


From a new Hamlet to Jonathan Bailey as Richard II, or from Cate Blanchett and Emma Corrin in Chekhov to Brie Larson and Rami Malek in contrasting Greek tragedies, Sarah and Alex take a look at some of the best British theatre has to offer in 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aspects of History
Richard II & Henry IV with Helen Castor

Aspects of History

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2024 58:59


At the end of June in 1399 Henry Bolingbroke, son of John of Gaunt and cousin to King Richard II, landed at Ravenspurn with a small force intent on the overthrow of Richard. The King, who had been in Ireland, did not rush to return to England, but when he did, his throne had been lost, and Bolingbroke became King Henry IV. Richard would die in mysterious circumstances not long after. Henry had secured the throne but his would not be a happy reign. Joining to discuss the two grandsons of Edward III is Helen Castor, author of The Eagle and the Hart: the Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV as we delve into the two characters in a fascinating period of medieval history. Helen Castor Links The Eagle and the Hart: The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV Helen on X Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Renaissance English History Podcast: A Show About the Tudors
Episode 268: Helen Castor on Richard II and Henry IV

Renaissance English History Podcast: A Show About the Tudors

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 34:17


I was capital-T Thrilled to interview Helen Castor on her new book, The Eagle and the Hart, on Richard II and Henry IV - in this interview we cover how 16th century historians can learn from this period in history several generations before, the tragedy of Richard, the lessons the Tudors learned, and more. Helen Castor is an acclaimed medieval and Tudor historian. Her first book, Blood and Roses: The Paston Family in the Wars of the Roses, was longlisted for what is now known as the Baillie Gifford Prize for Nonfiction and won the English Association's Beatrice White Prize. Get The Eagle and the Hart wherever you get your books! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Medieval Podcast
Best Medieval Books of 2024

The Medieval Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2024 54:21


Medieval Studies has no shortage of amazing books coming out each year, but which ones are the best of the best? This week, Danièle continues the annual tradition of listing her top five book recommendations of 2024 alongside those of Peter Konieczny, editor of Medievalists.net.This year's list is:Beards and Baldness in the Middle Ages, translated by Joseph McAlhany Bad Chaucer, by Tison PughCrusader Criminals, by Steve TibbleThe Broadview Anthology of Medieval Arthurian Literature, by Kathy Cawsey and Elizabeth EdwardsThe Eagle and the Hart: The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV, by Helen CastorRewriting the First Crusade, by Thomas W. SmithA Shattered Realm: Wars and Lives in Fourteenth-Century Japan, translated by Royall Tyler House of Lilies: The Dynasty that Made Medieval France, by Justine Firnhaber-BakerGod's Own Language: Architectural Drawing in the Twelfth Century, by Karl KinsellaThe Illustrated Cairo Genizah, by Nick Posegay and Melonie Schmierer-Lee

Puttin' On Airs
The Road To Henry V! (And Other Such Fancy Silliness!)

Puttin' On Airs

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2024 110:44


Hey Airheads! After Lord Trae Grills Professor CHO on a late night drunk dial over thanksgiving (And discussions of Thanksgiving in general) Professor CHO follows up with the long awaited start of The Road to Henry V, by first discussing his predecessors: his father Henry IV, and his cousin Richard II (who may or may not have held him captive!) StayFancyMerch.com is where you can find the new shirt Corey was rocking in this episode, and much more! Come see us in NASHVILLE Dec 12-14... grab them tickets and tickets to all of Trae's dates at TraeCrowder.com Corey will be doing solo shows in CHATTANOOGA, TN on Dec 20-21, and you can grab those tickets at TheComedyCatch.com Check out our sponsors this week! The holidays are here and True Classic's ultra-comfortable, perfect-fitting essentials make for the perfect gift for you and the men in your life. So, if you're ready to upgrade your closet, shop now and unlock big savings during their HUGE holiday sale.  Just go to my exclusive link at TrueClassic.com/POA to save. Mando's Starter Pack is perfect for new customers. It comes with a Solid Stick Deodorant, Cream Tube Deodorant, two free products of your choice (like Mini Body Wash and Deodorant Wipes), and free shipping. As a special offer for listeners, new customers get $5 off a Starter Pack with our exclusive code. That equates to over 40% off your Starter Pack. Use code POA at ShopMando.com Go to BlueChew.com and use Promo Code POA to try Blue Chew FREE! https://hellotushy.com/POA is where you can save BIG on the fanciest way to clean up that booty! Skeeeww!  Head to FACTORMEALS.com/50poa and use code 50poa to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Puttin' On Airs
The Road To Henry V! (And Other Such Fancy Silliness!)

Puttin' On Airs

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2024 112:13


Hey Airheads! After Lord Trae Grills Professor CHO on a late night drunk dial over thanksgiving (And discussions of Thanksgiving in general) Professor CHO follows up with the long awaited start of The Road to Henry V, by first discussing his predecessors: his father Henry IV, and his cousin Richard II (who may or may not have held him captive!) StayFancyMerch.com is where you can find the new shirt Corey was rocking in this episode, and much more! Come see us in NASHVILLE Dec 12-14... grab them tickets and tickets to all of Trae's dates at TraeCrowder.com Corey will be doing solo shows in CHATTANOOGA, TN on Dec 20-21, and you can grab those tickets at TheComedyCatch.com Check out our sponsors this week! The holidays are here and True Classic's ultra-comfortable, perfect-fitting essentials make for the perfect gift for you and the men in your life. So, if you're ready to upgrade your closet, shop now and unlock big savings during their HUGE holiday sale.  Just go to my exclusive link at TrueClassic.com/POA to save. Mando's Starter Pack is perfect for new customers. It comes with a Solid Stick Deodorant, Cream Tube Deodorant, two free products of your choice (like Mini Body Wash and Deodorant Wipes), and free shipping. As a special offer for listeners, new customers get $5 off a Starter Pack with our exclusive code. That equates to over 40% off your Starter Pack. Use code POA at ShopMando.com Go to BlueChew.com and use Promo Code POA to try Blue Chew FREE! https://hellotushy.com/POA is where you can save BIG on the fanciest way to clean up that booty! Skeeeww!  Head to FACTORMEALS.com/50poa and use code 50poa to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Folger Shakespeare Library: Shakespeare Unlimited
The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV, with Helen Castor

Folger Shakespeare Library: Shakespeare Unlimited

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 44:56


What happens when a king believes he rules by divine right yet loses the trust of his people through his tyrannical actions? In this episode, acclaimed historian Helen Castor brings us into the world that inspired Shakespeare's most celebrated history plays. Castor's latest book, The Eagle and the Heart: The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV, peels back the layers of history to reveal the human drama behind a deadly royal rivalry. From Richard's glittering but ill-fated reign to Henry's reluctant haunted rule, this engaging discussion uncovers the timeless lessons behind the rise and fall of two kings. Packed with historical insight and fresh perspectives, this episode is a must-listen for history buffs, Shakespeare enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the delicate balance between power and duty. Helen Castor is an acclaimed medieval and Tudor historian. Her first book, Blood and Roses: The Paston Family in the Wars of the Roses, was longlisted for what is now known as the Baillie Gifford Prize for Nonfiction and won the English Association's Beatrice White Prize. Her next two books, She-Wolves: The Women Who Ruled England Before Elizabeth and Joan of Arc: A History were both on numerous Best Books of the Year lists and made into documentaries for BBC television, and Joan of Arc was longlisted for the PEN America/Jacqueline Bograd Weld Award for Biography. She has one son and lives in London. From the Shakespeare Unlimited podcast. Published December 3, 2024. © Folger Shakespeare Library. All rights reserved. This episode was produced by Matt Frassica. Garland Scott is the associate producer. It was edited by Gail Kern Paster. We had help with web production from Paola García Acuña. Leonor Fernandez edits our transcripts. Final mixing services are provided by Clean Cuts at Three Seas, Inc.

featured Wiki of the Day
William de Ros, 6th Baron Ros

featured Wiki of the Day

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2024 3:43


fWotD Episode 2737: William de Ros, 6th Baron Ros Welcome to Featured Wiki of the Day, your daily dose of knowledge from Wikipedia’s finest articles.The featured article for Friday, 1 November 2024 is William de Ros, 6th Baron Ros.William de Ros, 6th Baron Ros (c. 1370 – 1 November 1414), was a medieval English nobleman, politician and soldier. The second son of Thomas de Ros, 4th Baron Ros, and Beatrice Stafford, William inherited his father's feudal barony and estates (with extensive lands centred on Lincolnshire) in 1394. Shortly afterwards, he married Margaret, daughter of John FitzAlan, 1st Baron Arundel. The Fitzalan family, like that of de Ros, was well-connected at the local and national level. They were implacably opposed to King Richard II, and this may have soured Richard's opinion of the young de Ros.The late 14th century was a period of political crisis in England. In 1399, Richard II confiscated the estates of his cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, Duke of Lancaster, and exiled him. Bolingbroke invaded England several months later, and de Ros took his side almost immediately. Richard's support had deserted him; de Ros was alongside Henry when Richard surrendered his throne to the invader, who became King Henry IV. De Ros later voted in the House of Lords for the former king's imprisonment. De Ros benefited from the new Lancastrian regime, achieving far more than he had ever done under Richard. He became an important aide and counsellor to King Henry and regularly spoke for him in Parliament. He also supported Henry in his military campaigns, participating in the invasion of Scotland in 1400 and assisting in the suppression of the rebellion of Richard Scrope, Archbishop of York, five years later.In return for his loyalty to the new regime, de Ros received extensive royal patronage. This included lands, grants, wardships, and the right to arrange the wards' marriages. De Ros performed valuable service as an advisor and ambassador (perhaps most importantly to Henry, who was often in a state of near-penury; de Ros was a wealthy man, and regularly loaned the crown large amounts of money). Important as he was in government and the regions, de Ros was unable to avoid the tumultuous regional conflicts and feuds which were rife at this time. In 1411 he was involved in a land dispute with a powerful Lincolnshire neighbour, and narrowly escaped an ambush; he sought and received redress in Parliament. Partly because of de Ros's restraint in not seeking the severe penalties available to him, he was described by a 20th-century historian as a particularly wise and forbearing figure for his time.King Henry IV died in 1413. De Ros did not long survive him, and played only a minor role in government during the last year of his life. He may have been out of favour with the new king, Henry V. As Prince of Wales, Henry had fallen out with his father a few years before, and de Ros had supported Henry IV over his son. De Ros died in Belvoir Castle on 1 November 1414. His wife survived him by twenty-four years; his son and heir, John, was still a minor. John later fought at Agincourt in 1415 and died childless in France in 1421. The barony of de Ros was then inherited by William's second son, Thomas, who also died in military service in France, seven years after his brother.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 08:39 UTC on Friday, 8 November 2024.For the full current version of the article, see William de Ros, 6th Baron Ros on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm standard Matthew.

If It Ain't Baroque...
The Eagle and The Hart with Helen Castor

If It Ain't Baroque...

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2024 59:15


Right trusty and well beloved, we greet you well!It is my absolute pleasure to announce today's guest - please welcome Helen Castor to the pod, and we talk about her new book The Eagle and the Hart - the Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV.Who were these monarchs? Who was Richard II and Henry IV? Let's see what was their story beyond what Shakespeare told us. Why were their lives so intertwined? Did birthright matter in the end? Buy Helen's New Book:https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/314989/the-eagle-and-the-hart-by-castor-helen/9780241419328Helen's Other Books:https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/280827/elizabeth-i-penguin-monarchs-by-helen-castor/9780141989945https://www.faber.co.uk/author/helen-castor/If you would like to join Natalie on her walking tours in London with Reign of London, please follow the links:https://www.getyourguide.com/london-l57/london-the-royal-british-kings-and-queens-walking-tour-t426011/https://www.getyourguide.com/london-l57/london-unsavory-history-guided-walking-tour-t428452/https://www.getyourguide.com/london-l57/royal-london-georgian-and-windsor-monarchs-walking-tour-t481355 .For more history fodder please visit https://www.ifitaintbaroque.art/ and https://www.reignoflondon.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

History Extra podcast
The Tyrant, the usurper and the hero | Henry V: hero

History Extra podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2024 50:33


Henry V only had a short reign, but his legacy looms large over the medieval landscape. Remembered as a heroic warrior king, who bested the French at Harfleur then marched his forces to victory at Agincourt, few monarchs have such a distinguished reputation. But 'Prince Hal' wasn't always destined for greatness. Was he really the gadabout youth Shakespeare would have us believe? In the third episode of our three-part HistoryExtra podcast series 'Tyrant, Usurper, Hero', Helen Castor sits down with Dan Jones to learn more about Henry's life beyond the battlefield – and highlight what lessons he learned from the chaos caused by Richard II and Henry IV. (Ad) Helen Castor is the author of The Eagle and the Hart: The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV (Penguin, 2024). Buy it now from Waterstones: https://go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535947&xcust=historyextra-social-histboty&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fbook%2Fthe-eagle-and-the-hart%2Fhelen-castor%2F9780241419328. (Ad) Dan Jones is the author of Henry V: The Astonishing Rise of England's Greatest Warrior King (Bloomsbury, 2024). Buy it now from Waterstones: https://go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535947&xcust=historyextra-social-histboty&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fbook%2Fhenry-v%2Fdan-jones%2F9781804541937. The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Tudor Chest - The Podcast
The Eagle and the Hart - The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV with Dr Helen Castor

The Tudor Chest - The Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2024 94:04


Dr Helen Castor is a historian, author and broadcaster who is best known for her work on some of histories most fascinating women, from Eleanor of Aquitaine to Joan of Arc, Isabella of France to Lady Jane Grey, however, her most recent book, published only a few weeks ago breaks the mould, for in it she explores the life of two of medieval England's kings. The eagle and the hart, the tragedy of Richard ii and Henry iv is this book, a remarkable and highly detailed exploration of these very very different kings and how, as the title suggests, their lives and more accurately their reigns descended into tragedy. I am thrilled to welcome Helen onto the podcast today to discuss her book, this is a long episode folks, so buckle in as we hop out of the world of the Tudors and into that of the Plantagenets.

History Nerds United
HNU S3:E46 - Helen Castor Talks Shakespeare, Richard II, Henry IV, and the Rebellion That Had to Happen

History Nerds United

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 55:45


Send us a textLet's seize the throne! Helen Castor joins me to talk her new book The Eagle and the Hart: The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV. It's one of the best books of 2024. Come listen!Buy The Eagle and the HartSupport the show

History Extra podcast
The Tyrant, the usurper and the hero | Henry IV: usurper

History Extra podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2024 53:57


Henry Bolingbroke has gone down in history as the usurper that stole the English crown from the tyrant Richard II – and was later plagued by rebellion and ill health. But what else do we know about the man who later became Henry IV? In the second episode of our three-part HistoryExtra podcast series 'Tyrant, Usurper, Hero', Dan Jones speaks to Helen Castor to reveal more about this chivalric hero who could have made the ideal king – if only he had been born into the royal role. (Ad) Helen Castor is the author of The Eagle and the Hart: The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV (Penguin, 2024). Buy it now from Waterstones: https://go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535947&xcust=historyextra-social-histboty&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fbook%2Fthe-eagle-and-the-hart%2Fhelen-castor%2F9780241419328. (Ad) Dan Jones is the author of Henry V: The Astonishing Rise of England's Greatest Warrior King (Bloomsbury, 2024). Buy it now from Waterstones: https://go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535947&xcust=historyextra-social-histboty&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fbook%2Fhenry-v%2Fdan-jones%2F9781804541937. The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spieling The Beans
S6 Ep5: Rupert Goold CBE

Spieling The Beans

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2024 42:24


My guest today is Rupert Goold - the double-Olivier-winning, Tony-nominated director behind such shows as Dear England, Enron, Ink, King Charles III, Tammy Faye, Patriots, and Cold War. His screen career includes directing Ben Whishaw in the BBC adaptation of Richard II, James Franco and Jonah Hill in the movie True Story, and perhaps most notably directing Renée Zellweger's Oscar winning performance as Judy Garland in 2019's Judy. This summer, we met in the boardroom of the Almeida (of which he's Artistic Director), to talk about directing film vs theatre, when to give an actor a note, his early inspirations, what he looks for in emerging talent, how to cast Hamlet, and so much more.

History Extra podcast
The Tyrant, the usurper and the hero | Richard II: tyrant

History Extra podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2024 51:56


Richard II lacked all the qualities a medieval monarch needed, bar one: birthright. Born believing he was God's representative on Earth, the narcissistic tyrant seems to have done everything wrong. But did Richard just not understand what it meant to be king? In the first episode of this three-part HistoryExtra podcast series 'Tyrant, Usurper, Hero', Dan Jones and Helen Castor chart Richard's eccentricities and the trials of his reign – from the monarch's obsessive addiction to good hygiene to his involvement in the Peasant's Revolt and eventual downfall. (Ad) Helen Castor is the author of The Eagle and the Hart: The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV (Penguin, 2024). Buy it now from Waterstones: https://go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535947&xcust=historyextra-social-histboty&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fbook%2Fthe-eagle-and-the-hart%2Fhelen-castor%2F9780241419328. (Ad) Dan Jones is the author of Henry V: The Astonishing Rise of England's Greatest Warrior King (Bloomsbury, 2024). Buy it now from Waterstones: https://go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535947&xcust=historyextra-social-histboty&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fbook%2Fhenry-v%2Fdan-jones%2F9781804541937. The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Presidents, Prime Ministers, Kings and Queens

Iain Dale talks to Adam Lake about the life of King Richard II, who ascended the throne at the age of 10, and was forced to abdicate at the age of 32.

HistoryExtra Long Reads
Medieval England's political miracle

HistoryExtra Long Reads

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2024 23:06


From Magna Carta to Parliament, taxation to the law courts, the 13th and 14th centuries laid the foundations for the modern British state. In this Long Read, written by Caroline Burt and Richard Partington, we explore the political revolution that transformed a nation under medieval monarchs from King John to Richard II. HistoryExtra Long Reads brings you the best articles from BBC History Magazine, direct to your ears. Today's feature originally appeared in the September 2024 issue, and has been voiced in partnership with the RNIB. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Medieval Podcast
Henry V with Dan Jones

The Medieval Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2024 53:46


Last week, we looked at the story of Richard II and Henry IV, and the way these two cousins wielded the power of the English crown. This week, we round out the cycle that makes up the Hollow Crown by looking at Henry V, a man who many - including this week's guest, Dan Jones - have called England's greatest warrior king.Check out online courses in medieval studies at https://medievalstudies.thinkific.com/

Gone Medieval
Richard II vs. Henry IV

Gone Medieval

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2024 59:07


For the Plantagenets, family might be a curse as often as a boon. They could provide invaluable support, or dangerous rivalry. At the end of the 14th century, the relationship between two first cousins rocked England, ruptured the line of succession and had a long legacy.Helen Castor joins Matt Lewis to discuss the fascinating true story of cousins who became deadly rivals.Gone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis. The editor is Ella Blaxill and the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up HERE for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘MEDIEVAL' https://historyhit.com/subscriptionYou can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK

The Medieval Podcast
The Eagle and the Hart with Helen Castor

The Medieval Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2024 56:12


Richard II came to the throne as a young child, only to lose it to his cousin Henry IV in 1399. But why did Henry take such drastic action? And what became of the teenage boy who stood up to a crowd of angry peasants and held his own? This week, Danièle speaks with Helen Castor about these rival cousins, the events that shaped them, and how an anointed king could lose his hollow crown.You can listen to this episode ad-free at https://www.patreon.com/medievalists

The Retrospectors
Richard II's Blowout Banquet

The Retrospectors

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2024 11:23


The most extravagant feast of the Middle Ages took place at the London home of the Bishop of Durham on September 23rd, 1387, in honour of King Richard II.  The banquet featured dishes like broth, venison, roasted swan, and boar-heads… and  12,000 eggs.  At just 20 years old, Richard had already developed a reputation for extravagant tastes, employing 2,000 cooks to feed his court. But, despite the abundant and luxurious menu, the atmosphere at the feast was likely solemn, given the churchy setting and the era's rigid rules of etiquette.  In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain why the cooks roasted birds in increasingly extravagant styles, yet served spices NEAT; discover how to make a "subtlety"; and dip into the rulebook for the carvers trained in the fine art of slicing and presenting food fit for a King… Further Reading: • ‘King Richard's Feast Of 1387' (OAKDEN): https://oakden.co.uk/king-richard-second-feast-1387/ • 'Oxford Symposium on Food & Cookery' (1990): https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Oxford_Symposium_on_Food_Cookery_1990/XseXnb98h90C?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=23rd+September+1387&pg=PA138&printsec=frontcover • ‘How To Prepare A Traditional Medieval Feast | Let's Cook History' (Chronicle, 2021): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkqQ5iGATrk Love the show? Support us!  Join 

KPFA - APEX Express
APEX Express – 8.29.24 – Retelling Stories

KPFA - APEX Express

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2024 59:58


A weekly magazine-style radio show featuring the voices and stories of Asians and Pacific Islanders from all corners of our community. The show is produced by a collective of media makers, deejays, and activists. Host Miko Lee speaks with playwright Naomi Iizuka and graphic novelist/activist Eddie Ahn.   For more information about the show's guests:   the MAGIC THEATRE and PLAY ON SHAKESPEARE present: Richard II A new translated version by NAOMI IIZUKA from William Shakespeare August 21 -September 8, 2024 Tickets available here. Eddie Ahns Advocate SHOW TRANSCRIPT Opening: [00:00:00] Apex Express Asian Pacific expression. Community and cultural coverage, music and calendar, new visions and voices, coming to you with an Asian Pacific Islander point of view. It's time to get on board the Apex Express.   Miko: [00:00:34] Good evening. Welcome to Apex Express. This is your host, Miko Lee. And tonight we're going to talk about retelling stories. So join us as you hop along the Apex Express. Welcome one and all to Apex Express. This is your host, Miko Lee. And tonight we're talking about retelling stories. I had the opportunity to speak to two artists. One is the playwright, Naomi Iizuka and the second is the activist artists graphic novelist Eddie Ahn. So first up, take a listen to my interview with playwright, Naomi Iizuka. Before we recorded the interview, I actually had a chance to talk with Naomi and we worked together many moons ago. We actually were calculating based on our children's ages. We work together in theater at Berkeley rep. And it is amazing to see Naomi retelling, so many stories in so many different cultures and genres. And here we talk about her experience rewriting Richard II which I had a chance to see at the magic theater. It has some absolutely amazing production values, and I encourage you all to go check it out. We'll put a link to the show in our show notes. So check out my interview with Naomi Iizuka. Welcome Naomi Iizuka to Apex Express. We're so excited to have the award winning playwright whose adaptation of Richard II opens at the Magic Theatre August 23rd and runs through September 8th. Welcome Naomi.   Naomi Iizuka: [00:02:30] Oh, thank you so much. I'm so happy to be here and so honored.   Miko Lee: [00:02:34] Well, we're honored to have you. I want to start with my big question, which I adapted from the amazing poet Chinaka Hodges, which is who are your people and where do you come from?   Naomi Iizuka: [00:02:46] That's a beautiful question. I think that my people are adventurous and iconoclastic, and that means that they come from many different places, geographically and also spiritually and artistically. I definitely feel an affinity for the Bay Area. it was the first place I really. Came to in my sort of adult life and I feel a great affinity for theater people and theater artists. we are, I think, a community of artists that come from, you know, all sorts of traditions and we make this evanescent event. And I think there's something really beautiful in that.   Miko Lee: [00:03:31] Ooh, evanescent event. I really like that. That sounds so pretty. I'm wondering what legacy you carry with you from your people.   Naomi Iizuka: [00:03:40] I think, an awareness of history, an awareness of Mystery sort of just beyond your peripheral vision that there are stories that haven't been told that there are tremors and voices just underneath the surface of the every day And a real curiosity about that, and I think that that cuts across a lot of, people in my life who actually are not only in theater, you know, people who are, attorneys and in academia and scientists. I mean, just, I think, I think it's, a kind of an adventurous, um, curiosity. I think that that is what I've inherited.   Miko Lee: [00:04:18] Oh, thank you for sharing that. I'm wondering if that lends itself to the fact that you've adapted a number of classics. We're going to be talking about Richard III, but I know you also did a version of Hamlet that was set in Oakland, Orpheus, and the Odyssey, and Japanese folktales. Can you talk a little bit about what sparks your curiosity around adaptations?   Naomi Iizuka: [00:04:40] That's a great question. I think that adaptations at their best are conversations with ghosts. And I guess I really enjoy that. I enjoy this idea of, in some way being in conversation with. Consciousnesses that are not maybe here on this plane of existence anymore, but have left their thoughts and their, big questions, they've sort of embedded them in these works of art. And so when you adapt Shakespeare or you adapt a Japanese folktale, I feel like you're in conversation with These ghosts and they're wise and they're playful and they're mysterious and they're, challenging. And I, I love that. I love that experience.   Miko Lee: [00:05:25] Aside from the adaptations, have you had personal experiences with ghosts?   Naomi Iizuka: [00:05:30] Oh, wow. I would say yes. but I, I, I maybe not. That's something maybe I don't want to talk about.   Miko Lee: [00:05:39] No worries. I always love to hear. I have had experience with ghosts. So I always love to hear other people's ghost stories. I get it. If you don't want to talk about that's okay. Can you talk with me about this adaptation of Richard II? And I'm wondering how you got involved in this adaptation?   Naomi Iizuka: [00:05:59] Well, it's a commission. So I was asked to adapt or really translate is the word that I think is more accurate, a Shakespeare play. And it, it's a project called, play on where a bunch of contemporary writers were asked to translate Shakespeare. What that means is that we were really asked to do a deep dive into the original texts. I'm going to say plural because I think there are different versions even, and figure out the most muscular, vivid version of Shakespeare. Of Shakespeare that we could figure out for contemporary audiences. So it's less about putting our own spin on something. It's really about really wrestling with that material and finding this muscular Present day version of the material that is true to the original, and that brings to light the original and what sort of underneath the surface, you know, for contemporary audiences.   Miko Lee: [00:07:03] And since Richard II is about power and corruption, and we're in this election season, we just are in the midst of the Democratic Convention, I'm wondering if you see parallels with Richard II and what's happening now in our political realm.   Naomi Iizuka: [00:07:18] I do. I mean, and it's interesting because I think that even though this play is centuries old, it does very much speak to the present moment where you have really different ideas about what is the right direction for a country and for a government and what it means to govern. And I think that I cannot think of more timely questions. And also candidly, this sort of anxiety, that's, I think, an anxiety that we all feel in this moment where there are really You know, strong differences and and we've had some really, difficult divisions in our country and in within our own families. And I, and that is so, so much at play in Richard II. There's, these arguments that people have they're life and death and they're within families and they're within, you know, they're within countries and how they are resolved really changes the trajectory of the future. So yes, 100 percent it's so timely. It's, it's unbelievably timely.   Miko Lee: [00:08:24] And you've done a lot of works that are around, of adaptations, we talked about you doing those, but also you've done a lot of works that are around really intense issues from sexual assault and good kids and refugees and anonymous and unhoused youth and Polaroid stories. What draws you to storytelling? What draws you to the specific stories that you have been telling?   Naomi Iizuka: [00:08:48] I think that there is an answer to that question that is both conscious and aware and unconscious and more subterranean. So what's probably the most truthful answer is, I don't know, there is a kind of curiosity and hunger that I think I've had. I know I've had for my whole life, my whole life that I can remember where I want to know what the story is. I want to, you know, I see a person and I want to know where they came from. you know that, that excitement that I, I suspect many of us feel when you go into a library and you see all those books and you think, what are the stories? So that's the more sort of subterranean, um, sort visceral, impetus for storytelling. I think as I've gotten older and I've thought about it and I've become a teacher, I think that storytelling is incredibly powerful. And I think that how you tell stories and who gets to tell stories is so powerful. And I, and I think I'm perhaps stating the obvious, but I think it's something that I remind myself of on a regular basis. And so. My desire to tell stories that, maybe aren't told or aren't told in a way that is familiar is really deep. I, I think that that's perhaps maybe the most meaningful way that at least I can move through the world and the, and the writers and artists that are around me, the storytellers, dancers as well, and choreographers. I, I, think they share that, this sense that who tells the story and how you tell it. It matters a lot.   Miko Lee: [00:10:20] And so much of this work is really powerful and is really trying to hit at sometimes hidden histories, stories that we don't hear as often. I'm wondering if you think of yourself as an activist.   Naomi Iizuka: [00:10:33] You know, I haven't In all honesty, I don't, but I think I am, I think I am because I feel really acutely, certain things that must be said, and I think I'm realizing that the act of saying them and saying them you know, over time is actually an activist posture, you know, that you, have an engagement with the world that doesn't slacken that, continues over time and you stand your ground. And I think that if that can be something that, I can contribute in some small way. I will feel that there's some meaning to what it is I do.   Miko Lee: [00:11:14]And I'm wondering, because you've done genres, many different genres, from writing for TV, and then also stage, and writing for children's theater and adult theater, I'm wondering if, how each of those play into your writing process. Do you write differently when you write for TV versus stage? Do you put on a different hat to get into character so that you could do that? Do you write differently for children's work? I also see some of your children's theater pieces as being like really around intense issues. So I'm just wondering about how you blend those and if you kind of divide up parts of yourself or what is your approach to writing in these different genres?   Naomi Iizuka: [00:11:51] I think it's a great question. I always start, maybe not always, but I think 99 percent of the time I start with character because I think that when you start with character, you start with humans. And when you start with humans, you start with mystery. And I think that that to me feels like the most exciting starting point, whether you're writing a play for young audiences, or whether you're writing, a translation of a Shakespeare play, or whether you're writing something for television. So I think that's a common thread, starting with the human mystery inside of a life, inside of an individual, inside of their circumstances. that's, I think, the starting point always.   Miko Lee: [00:12:33] And you've been collaborating with Campo Santo and John and now the magic for so many years. Can you talk a little bit about the benefits and or challenges of long term collaboration?   Naomi Iizuka: [00:12:44] Think long term collaboration is perhaps one of the greatest gifts that an artist can be afforded because it means that you have a home and sort of looping back to an earlier question of yours, you have a tribe of people, a community of people that you're connected to and, and you have a shared, responsibility to the storytelling. And that, As I get older, feels so, it feels rare and it feels really precious because I mean, when I work with Camposanto, I just, you know, now I, and I've, you know, talking with Margo or Sean and Catherine Castellanos, I've known them for such a long time and I've watched them work and I've been in awe of their work and they, there's a way that we connect through the work that is, deeper than, than the surface layer, that you're able to sort of plumb depths that you sometimes can't when you're, just starting out working with someone, you know, and they may be a wonderful artist, but you just don't have those years of, knowledge and, trust.   Miko Lee: [00:13:57] Yeah, so many layers that you can rely on and that trust and the connection. Um, I guess they're kind of the family when we were talking in the very beginning, your tribe of people, the theater people.   Naomi Iizuka: [00:14:09] They are very much my tribe of people. I mean, I, I love them and it has felt like coming home, you know, to, to work with them.   Miko Lee: [00:14:16] Yay. I'm wondering if your ethnic tribe growing up in multiple parts, you know, being born in Japan and Indonesia and U. S. and being mixed race, Japanese Latin American, how does that impact your creative process?   Naomi Iizuka: [00:14:33] You know, I think I'm still answering that question. I think one thing that is really heartening is when I was younger, I felt very much like, oh, I don't fit into any box. And there aren't that many people like me that are, you know, multi ethnic and multi racial. And, as I've gotten older now, and I look at, for example, my son's generation, I'm like, that is now, I don't know if it's the norm, but in California, there's, so many people who are, mixed in and the mixtures are, you know, they run the gamut and I think in terms of my own work, maybe what that led to early on was an awareness that. the reality of lived existence for most people is complicated and not easily paraphrasable, and I think that that bred in me a certain humility and also a certain, there's a certain challenge there, you know, like, how do I, How do I evoke the truth of this really complicated reality that is not just my own reality, but, so many of us, right? we're not one thing. We're, we're many things, some of which are not always visible or some of which are in some ways hidden.   Miko Lee: [00:15:46] Have you ever written a play that's a Japanese Latin American play?   Naomi Iizuka: [00:15:51] not explicitly, no. I mean, I think a lot of the plays that I've written, they, they are, I would say, flexible in terms of their casting and in terms of their point of view.And I think that they invite, they invite that kind of collision. But specifically, no.   Miko Lee: [00:16:12] Well, I would be so curious to see your take on, like, the Japanese Latin American kidnapping and incarceration of that whole community. Yeah, there's so many stories that have not been told about the JLA community.   Naomi Iizuka: [00:16:26] So many, yep.   Miko Lee: [00:16:28] I'm wondering if there is a story that you grew up with that you remember your family telling you that's helped to frame your creative process?   Naomi Iizuka: [00:16:36] Oh, wow. That is a really great question. my maternal grandmother, was a, kind of a mysterious woman. And I, I wondered a lot about her and I think there were a lot of secrets in her past. I think she is somebody it's actually less about the stories that were told and more about the questions that not only I had about her, but my mother had about her, my uncle had about her, that we just never fully found out. We, you know, we discovered when she was well into her seventies that she was blind in one eye. She never learned to read or write and it was a little bit unclear. Estranged, I guess, from her family of origin. yeah, it just, there's so many questions about her. I think the other story from my father's side of the family, from the Japanese side of the family, which I have written about, actually, because my father told the story, from when I was, for as long as I can remember, my father was a, was a very young child in World War II and he was Japanese national and he, and he was in Tokyo with his family and their house was bombed. And my father was not in the house. He was supposed to have been in the house, but he, Kind of, he was very little. He was, I think he was like five or six, and he had wandered away. My father, kind of, the moral of the story for my father was always like, you know, don't do what people tell you, because if you do, something bad may happen. So he didn't do what he was supposed to do. He didn't stay put. He wandered away. And, and he, as a result, he survived, you know, and, think That was a story that I, I still think about. and I, if you knew my father, it would make a lot of sense because he has this really, um, very, defiant is not the quite the right word, but he really knew who he was and he wasn't going to sort of take it from anyone. He was just going to, you know, do it his way. and that story felt very much, you know, the origin story of that personality.   Miko Lee: [00:18:35] So he had encouraged you to be a rebel, to kind of be who you are.   Naomi Iizuka: [00:18:40] A little bit. But you know what's so funny is I, you know, growing up, I was not like my father. You know, my father was, you know, he would, he told many stories. I'm not gonna, I can't tell you all of them, but you know, he was kind of a naughty kid growing up and, and he got in trouble, you know, he was, you know, and, and I was not that way. I was the opposite. I was a really, you know, very obedient, good student. Actually, in a strange way, my father, I think had the last laugh because I did turn out to be in my life choices, I think rather rebellious, but that wasn't nobody's meeting me as a, you know, as a teenager or a child would have thought that they would have thought, Oh, you know, what a well behaved, polite, you know, good student and then I turned out to have a kind of a very different trajectory. It's interesting.   Miko Lee: [00:19:24] What's the first play you ever wrote? How old were you? And what was it?   Naomi Iizuka: [00:19:28] I think the very first play I wrote was this very strange play. I was, a senior in college and it was called Betty Ford and the Dream Commandos. I think I have only a copy that's paper because I wrote it on a typewriter. That's how old I am. And I, I, it was a really expressionistic, strange piece that was that they did site specifically, it was short. I think it was maybe a 20 minute play. And I honestly don't remember the story of it. I remember fragmentary moments of it. I remember there was a chorus of dream commandos that were sort of like sort of ninja like and there was a Betty Ford character who was kind of in a haze. Yeah.   Miko Lee: [00:20:12] That is so wacky. Why Betty Ford?   Naomi Iizuka: [00:20:16] God knows. I don't know. I mean, I   Miko Lee: [00:20:18] Betty Ford as like First Lady Betty Ford or Betty Ford as in running the rehab center?   Naomi Iizuka: [00:20:24] Well, I mean, it was the same person and I think you put your finger on it, which is that I This was a woman that I think I, as a young person, I remember watching her on television and thinking, and this was before the sort of drug rehabilitation part of her life. I just thinking like, she has a hard life. She seems, you know, she's smiling, but I, I think behind that smile, well, again, it gets to that human mystery. I, I guess I was curious about her. She seemed like somebody that, Had this persona and had this sort of public facing, way about her, but that there was a lot of sort of still waters run deep about her too. So I think, I think that that was, that made me curious, you know?   Miko Lee: [00:21:07] Oh, I would love to have a reading with playwrights reading their first plays. That would be so fun.   Naomi Iizuka: [00:21:13] That'd probably a little sad. Scary.   Miko Lee: [00:21:17] I, there's a beautiful exhibit art exhibit where they had children's book authors. The, um, this was a museum of children's art did it and they had their work now beside a work they created when they were a kid and in framed and it was so gorgeous because. Everyone really showed that even when they were like five years old, they were already creating their style. So Naomi Iizuka: [00:21:40] That's fascinating. Yeah.   Miko Lee: [00:21:41] So I just love, I would love to see playwrights that from playwrights. Anyways. I'm wondering if you can talk about your daily creative process, like what do you do? I mean, I, I talked to Isabel Allende about this and she said, every morning I get up, I get a cup of tea, I make myself go into this room and I write, even if it's painful. Yeah. And even if it's bad, I'm wondering if you have like a set schedule or how do you do it?   Naomi Iizuka: [00:22:06] I don't have a set schedule. Mainly, I, I wish I, I did, and I may be able to now in my life, but I think for many years just juggling a day job. And, and I, and I still have, you know, I teach and I, I write for television and so it's, it's a little hectic. and I was a single mom. But now my son is in college, I just actually dropped him off. So I think I will have my schedule be a little different. What I do, which is I think related to what you just described, is I make sure that I write every day, but it's not always at the same time. So sometimes if I have the luxury of, a day where I, don't have to be somewhere at 8am, I will write in the morning. And I do like very much sort of waking up, brewing a cup of coffee and, writing. But I also write, you know, late at night. In fact, I was, you know, just dropping my son off at college and, he was asleep. And, I was sort of in a different part of in the Airbnb where we were staying. And I, Just wrote, you know, so I was like, as long as I'm writing a certain amount of time or certain number of pages a day. But I also agree with what you described in Isabella and his process that it's really important to write even when you don't feel like it. And I tell my students that all the time, because, you know, if you just wait till you feel like it, then you know, you may not write very much. So you have to write even when you don't feel like it. And even when it feels like the writing is hard, or it's not what you want it to be. And then it will, if you keep at it, you know, it will be.   Miko Lee: [00:23:32] Thanks. Okay. My last question for you is what are you reading, watching, or listening to right now? First thing that comes to your mind, what are you consuming?   Naomi Iizuka: [00:23:41] That's so great. I am reading, right now this, I guess you would call it a graphic novel Uzumaki, which is kind of iconic. And I had read part of it a while back, but I am kind of reading the whole, like all the volumes. And it's this Very strange, I guess you'd call it J horror, dystopian, comic, but it's beautifully illustrated and the story is really mysterious and compelling. I'm listening to Pod Save America just because it's election season and I'm really curious you know, what those guys have to say. And I haven't seen it yet, but I just actually texted Sean. I'm going to see that this weekend because it just came down to San Diego. I'm going to see Sing Sing with Coleman Domingo and Sean San Jose. And I cannot wait. I'm so excited. I feel like I'm the last person to see it because it was in New York and it was in LA and then it opened in San Diego just as I was like leaving to drop my son off at college. So I'm seeing it this weekend.   Miko Lee: [00:24:41] I just actually was looking at this note from Stephanie Shu saying go see it tonight. I will get you free tickets for Sing Sing. I was just thinking about that. I should go see that tonight.   Naomi Iizuka: [00:24:52] I'm so excited.   Miko Lee: [00:24:53] Me too. Very excited. and Coleman also lovely Bay Area person. Uzumaki, that looks fascinating. Supernatural psychological horror is what is the genre.   Naomi Iizuka: [00:25:06] No, it's, it's, it's really extraordinary. And, the thing is, is the reason I'm, I'm reading it now is I have like the full collected, all the volumes in one sort of giant omnibus. And so I'm reading everything, you know, all of them from beginning to end. I'd read the first, the first one, which is probably the most famous one, but it's great. I mean, even if it's not your cup of tea, it's, it's so cool. I love it. It is kind of my cup of tea, but, but even if it's not, you will love it.   Miko Lee: [00:25:32] Okay. Thank you for the recommendation. we're going to post links for people to buy tickets for the show at the magic. Is there anything else that you'd like to let our audience know about you and your work?   Naomi Iizuka: [00:25:44] I think you covered it. You're a really good interviewer.   Miko Lee: [00:25:49] Thank you so much for joining us on Apex Express. I'm going to see the show this weekend. I can't wait to see it and I'm excited to see what else you create next. Thank you so much, Naomi.   Naomi Iizuka: [00:26:00] Thank you.   Miko Lee: [00:26:01] Next up, listen to Florente Aguilar a Manila born guitarist and composer whose arrangements and composition successfully craft the balance between respect and redefinition of tradition. MUSIC   That was Florente Aguilar, a Manila born guitarist, and you are listening to Apex Express. Next up, take a listen to my conversation with advocate, activist and graphic illustrator, Eddie Ahn. It is quite amazing to hear from an artist, who's an activist, who's telling their story. And tonight it's all about how we retell stories, whether that's rewriting a traditional piece like Shakespeare or rewriting the tale that is your life and doing it. In graphic illustration style. So listen to my interview with Eddie Ahn. Welcome Eddie Ahn to Apex Express.   Eddie Ahn: [00:29:40] Thanks for having me.   Miko Lee: [00:29:41] I'm so excited to be able to talk to you about your new graphic memoir of family, community, and the fight for environmental justice. Loved reading your book and looking at the artistry. It's so powerful. So I want to start with my very first question that I ask many guests, which is who are your people and what legacy do you carry with you?   Eddie Ahn: [00:30:04] Gosh, the book itself covers a lot of my people, particularly my family, myself. I am now, two generations removed, of course, from my grandfather, which the book begins with. he himself was, uh, very brilliant person from all accounts, was a translator for the U S army and South Korean army during the Korean war. And then, I am also, you know, this, the son of immigrants, my mother and father who came from South Korea to the US and really built their careers and their family here. So I think a lot about that migration pattern and how it's influenced who I am today and what I do.   Miko Lee: [00:30:44] And what legacy do you carry with you from those ancestors?   Eddie Ahn: [00:30:48] I think a lot about their successes and failures. so the challenges that they encountered along the way. My grandfather, of course, was A survivor of a lot of trauma he himself went through the Korean War. and then also was separated from his family a lot after, you know, the Korean DMZ, the demilitarized zone was settled. So for him, his life is really one of, Very, very deep trauma and tragedy, having been separated from most of his family. And then he had to go start a new family in South Korea. And a lot of the book covers, the initial kind of devastation he faced. And then later on that the challenges he faced, even as an entrepreneur, very well educated person trying to survive in South Korea and my mother's resentments around that are also covered in the graphic memoir as well. So a lot of it is like, Dealing with that family kind of conflict and also understanding it in the scope of my own life and how I've chosen to pursue nonprofit work to begin with in the United States.   Miko Lee: [00:31:51] Thank you for sharing that. talk to me about the title of the book, Advocate, and what does that mean to you?   Eddie Ahn: [00:31:58] So the title of the book was always meant to have multiple meanings. It was about advocating for oneself, one's own identity, one's own career choice against, very different family expectations. And then it's about professional advocacy. It's about advocating for diverse communities. The nonprofit I work for is called Bright Line Defense, and we do a lot of environmental justice work. And environmental justice is oftentimes the intersection of issues on the environment, race and identity, and the economy, and then grappling with the intersectionality of those issues. There's a lot of complexity in what I do. And part of the title of the book reflects that and advocating again, for oneself. And for other communities.   Miko Lee: [00:32:46] I love this. And I related to this a lot in terms of nonprofit work. I'm wondering if you could share a little bit more about that, about Asian American expectations, particularly your family, Korean American, and the value of nonprofit work.   Eddie Ahn: [00:33:01] For my own family, my parents in particular, I think their expectations for me and what I was going to do with the educational degrees that I obtained. So I went to a really good school, Brown University in Rhode Island, and then I obtained a law degree at UC College of Law, San Francisco. For them, their expectation was, go out, become highly credentialed, and then go make money. Their metrics of success in the US was about a financial metric of success. and for myself, I never quite took to that, for better, for worse, perhaps for myself, which is also covered in the book, but it's also because I valued social work and the active building community, so much and for them, they struggled with that choice. It wasn't exactly what they saw as succeeding in the U S but for myself, it was always incredibly important to do and pursue.   Miko Lee: [00:33:53] I think that power of your convictions really shows up in the book strongly because I think the classic Asian American story, you did the things, you got the Ivy League degree, you got the law degree, and your connection with your grandfather. I'm wondering about your family's feeling about your connection with your grandfather in terms of being an advocate. What was that like for them and the expectations for you?   Eddie Ahn: [00:34:18] That's a great question. in many ways, they saw the connection that I had with my grandfather early on. So even in the book, I describe moments where I'm reading at his feet, you know, from his library collection, and we would talk about different topics. My Korean back then was always, you know, a shaky, maybe at best, it was conversational. But a lot of what he would relate to me were about complex subjects that, at the time, even as a child, I didn't fully understand. But at least I understood the feeling, the depth behind them, which is why I really enjoyed talking to him. I think my mother reading the book has been actually really surprised at the moments of connection I found. For instance, I drew a photo of myself with my grandfather that she didn't even realize existed. So, Seeing how that relationship has unfolded even through the creation of this book, um, for my mother has been actually really interesting to do.   Miko Lee: [00:35:14] Oh, I love that about your mom and kind of getting a another vision of the history just by seeing a photograph but an image you drew of a photograph. There's a beautiful resonance there and the style of illustrations that you do has a, a soft beauty to it that's kind of lyrical. I really appreciate that. I'm wondering if you could talk with us about the inspiration for creating this memoir and in the style that you did in the graphic novel style.   Eddie Ahn: [00:35:45] I love comics because a lot of it is not just about the art and the panel itself. It's how the story actually moves from panel to panel and how the art gets juxtaposed against larger scenes, for instance for myself in doing this graphic memoir, it was a big jump. for myself, like I'm self taught as an artist to begin with. So understanding, you know, things like. Perspective, coloring, anatomy, those are all things I had to learn as I created this particular graphic memoir. and part of the storytelling technique I use in this graphic memoir is also heavily relying on color to move the time periods of the story. So, for instance, my childhood is represented in shades of red. My days in college and up until law school are represented in shades of green. As I start to go through a more transitional stage in life, like getting more deeply into nonprofit work and trying to figure out how to use my law degree, those are all represented in So for me, like I really want to use color to create that sense of era changes and then also create. Flashbacks and flash forwards in the narrative as well that I think you can really only do in comics. I do think comics is a really unique medium in the way, especially if you're evaluating it or reading it in printed format allows you to turn the page back and forth and enjoy it.   Miko Lee: [00:37:12] What came first, the story that you wanted to tell or the images?   Eddie Ahn: [00:37:19] The very first comic I ever posted, because I originally started publishing these graphic memoir comics on Instagram, was about my Oakland Chinatown work. So my first job out of college was as an AmeriCorps member, working as an after school programmer. I taught arts and public speaking for elementary students, third through fifth grade. I think very nostalgically about that time. It was a really great experience overall to work with youth who were really into receiving the best education possible. They went to Lincoln Elementary School in Oakland, Chinatown. it was a lot of thinking about the joyful moments and then balancing against the difficulties of nonprofit work. So I was an AmeriCorps member, and if folks know, how Financially stressful that position can be. It's essentially at the time it was less than a thousand dollars a month for 40 hours a week. So it was a very under-resourced position. Maybe it's one way to put it, as you know, one tries to serve the community as well.   Miko Lee: [00:38:20] So can you share a little bit about your artistic process?   Eddie Ahn: [00:38:24] So I started with fiction when I worked in comics. And in fact, one of the first zines I ever created was, essentially collected comic strips for hyphen magazine, which was a great, Asian American issues magazine. And I really enjoyed telling stories through the lens, essentially the lens of fictional characters. So for instance, I had a talking turtle character that was trying to sell coffee across San Francisco. again, going back to my grandfather, very much patterned after my grandfather's failed entrepreneurial ambitions. So for me, there was a lot of joy in creating these comic strips, mostly illustrated in black and white. so just simple inks. When I started writing my own, graphic memoir, I was thinking more like what were big, ambitious kind of swings. I wanted to take at storytelling, which is why I started doing the more complex color scheme I described earlier. and then part of it was even trying to figure out what was the tone that I wanted to adopt when I even, was creating these comics on Instagram. So for me, like, it started very early on, perhaps in 2016, I started illustrating the first pages on paper. And then I didn't even publish them until February, 2020. So that was roughly like a week or two before the pandemic where I posted the first, comic and then the audience for it on Instagram grew a lot. So from a couple hundred from back then, to now what's probably over 80,000 followers.   Miko Lee: [00:39:56] Oh, that is so exciting. And by the way, I think, you know, this hyphen magazine, we're part of the same family because hyphen is part of the AACRE network that Apex Express is part of too.   Eddie Ahn: [00:40:05] Yes. I'm, I'm a big fan of AACRE to begin with. And yes, I've always had a lot of affection for the generations of leadership that, have essentially built up hyphen over a long period of time.   Miko Lee: [00:40:16] I love that. Can you talk a little bit about how you combine your artistry with your community organizing?   Eddie Ahn: [00:40:23] Yes, I, in the past I created my art through a series of zines, but then I had to learn how to market and essentially promote myself. And I think my community organizing skills did come into play when I was either going to say zine fests or local arts festivals, as well as Essentially creating art shows, solo art shows in San Francisco. So for each, self published comic book, I would essentially do an art show centered around it. and they, the venues ranged, you might know some of these venues like 111 Minna, marvelous coffee and wine bar, which is now closed, dot art bar and gallery. so there were a number of venues that I would set up essentially, a larger kind of act of community building through art. So I think a lot about those days because, this is all pre pandemic. I really enjoyed bringing together, folks in my nonprofit world, as well as, family and friends to come and appreciate, you know, essentially two or three years worth of art creation nowadays, the book tour has been a very different experience. So that's very much, you know, through a more established publisher, Penguin Random House, and then going to, a number of bookstores across the US has been also a really fun experience to do.   Miko Lee: [00:41:41] What have you learned from going to all these different bookstores?   Eddie Ahn: [00:41:45] I've gotten a better sense of history, how book selling actually happens, and New York, for instance, I did a, a large event, over a hundred people came to The Strand, in Manhattan, which has its own very long history in New York's literary scene.   Miko Lee: [00:42:00] Ah, one of my favorite bookstores, The Strand. Yeah. It's so exciting.   Eddie Ahn: [00:42:04] It's a really beautiful venue, where they hold their literary events. So, I've been very fascinated by how people come together around art through the book tour. And, the Strand event itself was a huge joy because it was, Set up as in conversation with another author, and I like to do those events because it feels less like I'm talking at people and more like I'm talking with a person and then seeing the audience's engagement with material, either through some audience members just flip through a couple pages, and then they'll immediately have questions, or they might have come to the event having read the entire book at this point with their own kind of set of nuanced questions. So seeing the whole range of questions through a number of events has been also a very fun experience.   Miko Lee: [00:42:55] And in the book you write about your family's expectations around non profit life, what do they think now about you as an artist, as a graphic novelist, and kind of going on this book tour? Where are they at with your career now?   Eddie Ahn: [00:43:10] My father actually got to experience some public art installations that I'd done in San Francisco. So, there are these utility boxes which are in the middle of the street. And then my art was blown up to essentially be wrapped around them and then displayed. And the art still exists. This was installed way back in 2019. And it's still around today. So for my dad to see that, take pictures of it, touch it with his own hands, I think was a really good experience. He really did appreciate the physicality of that art and how it's displayed in such a public way. Uh, unfortunately nowadays he's too sick to enjoy the book. but my mother on the other hand has read the book and I think One nice coda to, everything that's described in the book, you know, despite all the conflicts with my family about non profit work is that my mother has grown to appreciate what I do a lot, as a result of reading the book. She says she's read it three times now and has cried on each reading, which initially I was worried about because I thought, you know, She was really perhaps, sensitive about our family and how I describe our family conflicts in the book, but it was really more in her own words about how underappreciated nonprofit workers are at times and how she felt. A lot more empathy for them. As a result, I was really surprised by that observation. I really didn't think she would ever care much for what I do for a living. But, yeah, I thought that was a really nice, reaction on our part.   Miko Lee: [00:44:38] Oh, I love to hear that. switching a bit to you as a young organizer, you started pretty young, you know, with AmeriCorps and then working in nonprofit world. With your experience now, what message would you give yourself when you were just starting out as a student organizer?   Eddie Ahn: [00:44:56] Oh, I think at the time I was fairly cheerful about everything. And I, I think that attribute still, endures to this day. I think it's a really important a character trait to have when one does nonprofit work, because I think it's easy to go through life expecting a lot of things to wonder why you aren't getting X, Y, Z, for myself. What I would tell my younger self is, you know, continue with that cheerful attitude, perhaps have better boundaries at times to on average, my employers have been quite good in the nonprofit sphere, but I do think generally it's easy also to work. Perhaps too much, and to demand too much of oneself in service to community. So maybe, one thing I'll tell my younger self is, to pace yourself too and just be more focused on things that, really excited me at the end of the day. you know, the flip side of that, maybe a counterpoint is like, it was important to try out a lot of stuff too. So, I think it all worked out in many ways, just trying out things that it may not have been the most efficient use of my time, but I still learned a lot.   Miko Lee: [00:46:02] Speaking of pacing yourself, you currently have more than a full time job as an executive director of a environmental non profit. You're on several boards and commissions, and just have written this graphic novel. What do you do to take care of yourself?   Eddie Ahn: [00:46:19] Um, I do enjoy, you know, like most people streaming shows and, even one quirk of mine that I enjoy relaying is like, I'm very much into the let's what's called the let's play movement. it's watching essentially other people play video games on YouTube and myself, like I can play a video game. I have, played several, over the last few years that I really do enjoy, but there's something very kind of therapeutic about watching someone else be productive or. perhaps entertaining themselves, without me having to, figure it out myself. So I think part of it is like just being able to relax and just watch a screen is, is, relaxing a form of meditation.   Miko Lee: [00:47:00] Okay. Thanks for that. What do you want folks to understand after reading your graphic novel?   Eddie Ahn: [00:47:08] One interesting thing I've thought a lot about is how the book describes non profit work is not about saving communities. and that sometimes it's referred to in academia as like the savior complex or messiah complex. I do think just being Aware of the complexity of our world and how difficult it is to resolve or fix issues is a core message of the book I hope comes across, and in many ways, comics, you know, is dominated by the superhero genre too, which I think a lot, and of course I love superhero comics to begin with. I do read quite a few of them. And then what I've been fascinated by is thinking through like, Superheroes themselves as characters are out to often fix the world or save the world and so thinking through that dynamic and how this comic is not about that, I think has been a good thing to go through for myself as an artist. So I hope that message comes across despite it being a comic.   Miko Lee: [00:48:15] Thanks for that. I think it's, as opposed to the superhero genre, I see your book more in the personal stories like Pee Booie's The Best We Could Do or Marianne's Persepolis. I see it more in that genre of like really personal family storytelling as opposed to a superhero genre. It's so powerful.   Eddie Ahn: [00:48:38] Thank you. Yes, I agree. I really appreciate those books as well and how they're able to essentially highlight the perspective of the protagonists alongside the environments in which they grow up in, whether it's family or a nation state, etc.   Miko Lee: [00:48:55] And I appreciate how your graphic novel really has your trajectory, you know, going from understanding family, but also really your adult life as somebody that works in the nonprofit field. I think it's really new in that approach. What's next for you?   Eddie Ahn: [00:49:12] Oh, gosh, I am still drawing. I am never wanting to give up on art at the end of the day. I think it's how I've improved as an artist is that I do drive myself to think through, a larger, better project. On Instagram, I'll continue to publish more comics in the future. I am planning through a potential mural project in San Francisco. Uh, it would be very different than the utility box art installations I've done in the past. as for my nonprofit work at Brightline, I'm still very much enjoy it. I have a incredible, team that I work with and I. I've really come to appreciate everything that Brightline has as a result of early years of grinding work that I put in and then to see other people also put in really high quality work for the organization has has been a joy to me personally. So I hope to keep on doing what I'm doing at Brightline for a long time to come. And yeah, I guess we'll find out in the coming years ahead.   Miko Lee: [00:50:14] I like, I, I, one, I'm curious to find out more about the mural, excited to learn more about that, and it sounds like you're going to hold these, both sides of yourself as the artist, as the non profit leader, you're going to continue to do them both. I'm wondering, so much of non profit life is, we're learning by experience, you know, we're, and so I'm thinking about, The connection with being a self taught artist like you're always just learning something. How has being a self taught artist impacted your artistic work and your work in nonprofit world?   Eddie Ahn: [00:50:47] I think it's improved my patience, both in non profit work and in evolving my art style. everything I do is drawn by hand, so I typically just work pencil to paper, ink over pencils, and then finally, Copic markers, their alcohol based art marker, to lay on the color, and that technique essentially evolved over, gosh, uh, eight, nine year period to you and get to where the book is now, the book itself is the culmination of well over 5,000 hours, and each page, you know, on average is probably somewhere between 20 to 30 hours. So just having that kind of discipline to develop everything around the book, has really taught me a lot, I think about life. And then also it's been a nice form of meditation unto itself to just to be able to create art. For that long of a period, over, you know, essentially a long, timeline has, has been really good for my own processes, thinking processes around nonprofit work, because it pushes me to, be creative in the nonprofit work itself.   Miko Lee: [00:51:59] Well, Eddie Ahn, author of Advocate, tell our audience how they can find out more about your work.   Eddie Ahn: [00:52:06] The book can be found, in a number of local bookstores at this point, Penguin Random House has done excellent work in distributing across the US of course, it can be found at most major booksellers, such as Barnes Noble, bookshop.org, et cetera. and they can also find my art online for free on Instagram. The handle is at E H A—those are my initials, Eddie Ahn—comics, as it sounds.   Miko Lee: [00:52:37] Thank you so much. We so appreciate hearing, from you more about your book and we look forward to seeing your murals and seeing the work that you do out in the community.Thank you so much.   Eddie Ahn: [00:52:48] Thanks again for having me, Miko. Really appreciate you.   Miko Lee: [00:52:50] Please check out our website, kpfa.org To find out more about our show tonight. We think all of you listeners out there. Keep resisting, keep organizing, keep creating and sharing your visions with the world because your voices are important. Apex Express is created by Miko Lee, Jalena Keane-Lee, Preti Mangala-Shekar, Swati Rayasam, Aisa Villarosa, Estella Owoimaha-Church, Gabriel Tanglao, Cheryl Truong and Ayame Keane-Lee.   The post APEX Express – 8.29.24 – Retelling Stories appeared first on KPFA.

The Rest Is History
486. Henry IV: Warrior Princes and Fat Knights (Part 2)

The Rest Is History

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2024 59:09


The year is 1403, and the Usurper King, Henry IV, faces a seemingly insurmountable challenge to his rule. He has been brought the news that his old friend, Harry “Hotspur” Percy, has betrayed him, and plans to lead his army against the King. Meanwhile, to the West, the revolt in Wales continues, at its head the formidable welsh king Owain Glyndŵr. And even in Scotland, where Henry IV thought he'd settled things down by silencing the terrifying Earl of Douglas, there is more trouble: a kitchen boy is claiming to be Richard II. And having made it halfway up to Scotland with his army to quell the newfound unrest, Henry IV must turn around, and march his men towards Wales, to face Hotspur at Schrewsbury... Join Tom and Dominic as they dive into the biggest revolt against Henry IV's rule, the making of his son and heir, Prince Hal, and the fate of the real Sir John Falstaff, abandoned by his dear friend Hal. _______ *The Rest Is History LIVE in the U.S.A.* If you live in the States, we've got some great news: Tom and Dominic will be performing throughout America in November, with shows in San Francisco, L.A., Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Boston and New York.  *The Rest Is History LIVE at the Royal Albert Hall* Tom and Dominic, accompanied by a live orchestra, take a deep dive into the lives and times of two of history's greatest composers: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven. Tickets on sale now at TheRestIsHistory.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rest Is History
485. Henry IV: The Usurper King (Part 1)

The Rest Is History

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2024 66:08


"Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown…” Henry IV has been portrayed as both a shadowy, obscure figure, and a strong king who was loved by his people. Prior to ascending the throne, Henry, the son of John of Gaunt, was admired for his glamour, clemency, courage and strong faith, but these sympathies quickly turned to suspicion when he became a ruling regicide. Indeed, after a failed rebellion in 1388 against Richard II, Henry led a second coup against the king, and successfully usurped the throne in 1399. Once king, keen to gain legitimacy, he delivered his claim to the throne in English, and vowed to respect the will of the people. But he had inherited a divided country, which was surrounded by enemies in France, Scotland and Wales. And, despite being elected to the throne by his peers, and, as some sources claimed, prophesied by Merlin and selected by a greyhound, Henry quickly lost popularity, and himself faced violent rebellions. When the brewing uprising in Northern Wales finally erupted in the autumn of 1400, with the Scots following suit not long thereafter, Henry would need all his allies to stand firmly by his side… Join Tom and Dominic as they explore the life and reign of Henry IV, an epic tale of plunder, rivalry and jealousy. _______ *The Rest Is History LIVE in the U.S.A.* If you live in the States, we've got some great news: Tom and Dominic will be performing throughout America in November, with shows in San Francisco, L.A., Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Boston and New York.  *The Rest Is History LIVE at the Royal Albert Hall* Tom and Dominic, accompanied by a live orchestra, take a deep dive into the lives and times of two of history's greatest composers: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven. Tickets on sale now at TheRestIsHistory.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ChinaTalk
EMERGENCY POD: Biden and Shakespeare

ChinaTalk

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2024 74:38


How can Shakespeare help explain the dynamics we're seeing around Biden today? We get into King Lear, Richard II, Macbeth and Coriolanus to illustrate themes on conniving courtiers, political marriages, and politicians facing the end. Joining us today: Eliot Cohen, author of The Hollow Crown, two dramaturgs Drew Lichtenberg and Kate Pitt, as well as actor Phil Schneider. Kate's substack: https://shakespearenews.substack.com/ Phil's still looking for an agent! Reach out to me jordan@chinatalk.media to connect with him! Outtro music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEqnXNsAFL8 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ChinaTalk
Shakespeare and Power

ChinaTalk

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2024 75:56


Are politicians and actors two sides of the same coin? Can you become a better public speaker by studying soliloquies? What can Shakespeare teach us about the nature of power? To discuss, ChinaTalk interviewed Eliot Cohen: SAIS professor, military historian, and counselor to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. He is also the author of The Hollow Crown: Shakespeare on How Leaders Rise, Rule, and Fall.  Co-hosting is Jordan's little brother, actor Phil Schneider. He recently graduated from Yale where he starred in a production of Hamlet. He's played Romeo, Octavius Valentine, Richard II, and Leontes. Also, he's looking for a new agent — reach out at jordan@chinatalk.media! They discuss:  Royal/executive power — what getting it does to you, and why relinquishing it is so hard; Court intrigues of yore (and today); Timeless techniques for exhorting and manipulating the masses; What makes a great speech; What it really means to be an effective leader, and how great leaders know when it's time to quit. Nixon's Farewell speech: Youtube link. Outtro audio: Orson Welles Recounts Crossing Paths With Hitler And Churchill. Youtube link. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices