Podcast appearances and mentions of richard iii

Shakespeare's plays are filled with unforgettable women—but too often, their voices are cut short. Ophelia never gets to defend herself. Gertrude never explains her choices. Lady Anne surrenders to Richard III in silence. In her new book, She Speaks: What Shakespeare's Women Might Have Said, acclaimed actor Dame Harriet Walter imagines what those characters might tell us if given the chance. Through original poems, Walter reimagines moments of silence, expands on fleeting lines, and provides depth to women who were left without a final word. Walter invites us to see Shakespeare's plays in a new light—reconsidering how we understand his female characters, and how their voices might transform the stories we thought we knew. From the Shakespeare Unlimited podcast. Published October 7, 2025. © Folger Shakespeare Library. All rights reserved. This episode was produced by Matt Frassica. Garland Scott is the executive 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. Dame Harriet Walter, DBE, is one of Britain's most esteemed Shakespearean actors, whose roles include Ophelia, Viola, Lady Macbeth, Cleopatra, Brutus, King Henry IV, and Prospero, among others.. She has received a Laurence Olivier Award, as well as numerous nominations, including a Tony Award nomination, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Walter is also well-known for her appearances in Sense and Sensibility, Atonement, Downton Abbey, The Crown, Succession, Killing Eve, and Ted Lasso, among many other notable projects. In 2011, she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for services to drama.

Direct descendants of the Plantagenets were once at the very heart of Tudor politics, yet their story is often overlooked. From Margaret Pole, niece of Edward IV and Richard III, to her son Cardinal Reginald Pole, the family's fortunes mirrored the turbulent shift from Plantagenet to Tudor rule.Professor Suzannah Lipscomb is joined by Adam Pennington to uncover the dynasty's dramatic journey from survival after the Wars of the Roses to Margaret Pole's shocking execution in the Tower of London.More:Henry VIII's Nemesis, Cardinal PoleHenry VII: Rise of the Medieval TudorsPresented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Max Wintle, edited and produced by Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Not Just the Tudors 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://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Queen Elizabeth replays a tape of her husband King Edward's band as she obsesses over his failing health. Her brother, Lord Rivers, tries to comfort her, as do her two sons from a previous marriage, Gray and Dorset. She tells them that the sons she conceived with Edward are still too young to rule, and that if her husband dies, the throne will go to Richard until the oldest son comes of age, putting her safety in jeopardy. Buckingham and Derby arrive to report that King Edward's health is improving and that he wants to make peace between Richard and Elizabeth's clans. Richard barges in with Hastings at his side, railing that he's being disrespected and that people are telling lies about him. Elizabeth does her best to defend herself against his accusation that she put Clarence in jail and that she is vying for the throne. As they argue, the old Queen Margaret arrives unseen and listens to them from outside the house, commenting bitterly to herself about how quickly power is lost. She finally confronts the group and berates Richard for the murders of her family before cursing everyone in the room, one by one. After she departs, Catesby enters to say that King Edward wants to talk to his family. Richard, left alone, celebrates his mischief, then hires two murderers to kill his brother Clarence in the Tower. There, Clarence tells Brackenbury (the jailer) about a nightmare he had in which he drowned trying to rescue Richard and was dragged down to hell. The PLAY ON PODCAST SERIES, “RICHARD THE THIRD”, was written by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE and translated into modern English verse by MIGDALIA CRUZ. All episodes were directed by LISA ROTHE. Radio play by CATHERINE EATON.   This podcast was recorded under a SAG-AFTRA AGREEMENT.   The cast is as follows:   MATT FRASER                  as    RICHARD THE THIRD MIA KATIGBAK                 as    QUEEN MARGARET, CITIZEN and BLUNT HIRAM DELGADO             as    CLARENCE, DORSET, ELY and MESSENGER NANCY RODRIGUEZ        as    LADY ANNE, OXFORD, RIVERS and A MURDERER RACHEL CROWL              as    QUEEN ELIZABETH, NORFOLK, and MESSENGER SANJIT DE SILVA             as    NESS AQUINO, BUCKINGHAM, and A CITIZEN CHARLES DUMAS            as    EDWARD, HENRY the SIXTH, STANLEY & CARDINAL ANDY LUCIEN       as    HASTINGS, SCRIVENER, a MESSENGER and A MURDERER GABRIELA SAKER           as    CATESBY, DUKE OF YORK and A MESSENGER DANAYA ESPERANZA as BRAKENBURY, RATCLIFFE, LORD MAYOR, TYRREL, and  RICHMOND ALMA CUERVO              as    DUCHESS OF YORK, SHERIFF & A MESSENGER ELIJAH GOODFRIEND  as    PRINCE EDWARD, A PAGE, and A BOY   Casting by THE TELSEY OFFICE: KARYN CASL, CSA.   Voice and Text Coach: JULIE FOH   Original music composition, Mix and Sound Design by LINDSAY JONES. Composer, Producer, Guitars, Bass, Lead Vocals, Recording and Mix Engineer, DAVID MOLINA. EDWIN AYALA on Drums. Backup Vocals by MANUEL TRUJILLO. Sound engineering and mixing by SADAHARU YAGI. Mix Engineer and Dialogue Editor: LARRY WALSH. Podcast Mastering by GREG CORTEZ at New Monkey Studio. Coordinating Producer: TRANSCEND STREAMING (KYRA BOWIE and LEANNA KEYES). Executive Producer: MICHAEL GOODFRIEND.   The Play On Podcast Series “RICHARD THE THIRD” is produced by NEXT CHAPTER PODCASTS and is made possible by the generous support of THE HITZ FOUNDATION. Visit NEXTCHAPTERPODCASTS.COM for more about the Play On Podcast Series. Visit PLAYONSHAKESPEARE.ORG for more about Play On Shakespeare.   Subscribe to Play On Premium for ad-free episodes and join our Patreon for exclusive merchandise and early commercial-free releases. Go to nextchapterpodcasts.com for our Bonus Content, where you'll find interviews with the artists, producers and engineers who brought it all to life. And remember: “We are not safe”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this day in 1452, a boy was born at Fotheringhay Castle who would become England's last Plantagenet king: Richard III. I'm Claire Ridgway, and in today's episode we trace Richard's short, stormy road from noble son to fallen king, and the remarkable afterlife of his story, from Bosworth Field to a Leicester car park and DNA confirmation centuries later. In this podcast: Birth & family: the House of York and Cecily Neville, the “Rose of Raby” 1483: the pre-contract claim, Edward V's disinheritance, and Richard's coronation Challenges to the crown: Buckingham's rebellion & Henry Tudor's invasion Battle of Bosworth (22 Aug 1485): tactics, the Stanleys' decisive move, Richard's last charge Burial at Grey Friars, the 2012 discovery & DNA, scoliosis, and reinterment (2015) Legacy: usurper, reformer, courageous warrior, or a king made by brutal times? What's your take on Richard III—pragmatic protector, ruthless usurper, courageous warrior, or a product of his age? Tell me in the comments. If you enjoyed this On This Day, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more daily Tudor and late-medieval history. #OnThisDay #RichardIII #WarsOfTheRoses #Bosworth #Plantagenet #Fotheringhay #PrincesInTheTower #AnneNeville #Leicester #MedievalHistory #TudorHistory #History #Yorkist #DNA

As his older brother, the newly crowned King Edward, weakens with illness, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, lays out his plans to take the throne. He frames his brother Clarence for conspiring to kill Edward, then convinces Lady Anne, the widow of the previous King Henry, to marry him, even though he killed her husband and their son. The PLAY ON PODCAST SERIES, “RICHARD THE THIRD”, was written by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE and translated into modern English verse by MIGDALIA CRUZ. All episodes were directed by LISA ROTHE. Radio play by CATHERINE EATON.   This podcast was recorded under a SAG-AFTRA AGREEMENT.   The cast is as follows:   MATT FRASER                  as    RICHARD THE THIRD MIA KATIGBAK                 as    QUEEN MARGARET, CITIZEN and BLUNT HIRAM DELGADO             as    CLARENCE, DORSET, ELY and MESSENGER NANCY RODRIGUEZ        as    LADY ANNE, OXFORD, RIVERS and A MURDERER RACHEL CROWL              as    QUEEN ELIZABETH, NORFOLK, and MESSENGER SANJIT DE SILVA             as    NESS AQUINO, BUCKINGHAM, and A CITIZEN CHARLES DUMAS            as    EDWARD, HENRY the SIXTH, STANLEY & CARDINAL ANDY LUCIEN       as    HASTINGS, SCRIVENER, a MESSENGER and A MURDERER GABRIELA SAKER           as    CATESBY, DUKE OF YORK and A MESSENGER DANAYA ESPERANZA as BRAKENBURY, RATCLIFFE, LORD MAYOR, TYRREL, and  RICHMOND ALMA CUERVO              as    DUCHESS OF YORK, SHERIFF & A MESSENGER ELIJAH GOODFRIEND  as    PRINCE EDWARD, A PAGE, and A BOY   Casting by THE TELSEY OFFICE: KARYN CASL, CSA.   Voice and Text Coach: JULIE FOH   Original music composition, Mix and Sound Design by LINDSAY JONES. Composer, Producer, Guitars, Bass, Lead Vocals, Recording and Mix Engineer, DAVID MOLINA. EDWIN AYALA on Drums. Backup Vocals by MANUEL TRUJILLA. Sound engineering and mixing by SADAHARU YAGI. Mix Engineer and Dialogue Editor: LARRY WALSH. Podcast Mastering by GREG CORTEZ at New Monkey Studio. Coordinating Producer: TRANSCEND STREAMING (KYRA BOWIE and LEANNA KEYES). Executive Producer: MICHAEL GOODFRIEND.   The Play On Podcast Series “RICHARD THE THIRD” is produced by NEXT CHAPTER PODCASTS and is made possible by the generous support of THE HITZ FOUNDATION. Visit NEXTCHAPTERPODCASTS.COM for more about the Play On Podcast Series. Visit PLAYONSHAKESPEARE.ORG for more about Play On Shakespeare.   Subscribe to Play On Premium for ad-free episodes and join our Patreon for exclusive merchandise and early commercial-free releases. Go to nextchapterpodcasts.com for our Bonus Content, where you'll find interviews with the artists, producers and engineers who brought it all to life. And remember: “We are not safe”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello WITSy people, Rebecca and Tori have work and family obligations to take care of this week, so we are re-releasing our Richard III episode to wind up Shakespeare in September. In the second week of October, we'll be back with new episodes created especially for the month of October and in November and December, we'll be doing some Jane Austen and a few Christmas podcasts. We hope you'll join us!

The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival is wrapping up its 25th season with its annual "Shakespeare in the Streets" production. This year, the play “Power” explores East St. Louis — a city that carries the legacy of legendary artists and athletes, as well as the stigma of political corruption and the 1917 Race Massacre. Loosely inspired by Shakespeare's Richard III, “Power” follows "Richard" on his attempted rise to East St. Louis mayor. We talk with actor RobWood, an East St. Louis Native who plays Richard, and the play's director, Kathi Bentley.

Shakespeare's tragedy about an unwelcome outsider who uses his genius to destroy his enemies before they destroy him. Translated into modern English verse by Migdalia Cruz and set in San Francisco at the height of the Latin Punk movement, directed by Lisa Rothe with original music composition and Sound Design by David Molina and Lindsay Jones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From William the Conqueror's battle-winning cavalry to Richard III's fatal final charge, this Long Read written by Oliver H Creighton and Robert Liddiard explores five moments when horsepower changed the course of medieval military history. HistoryExtra Long Reads brings you the best articles from BBC History Magazine, direct to your ears. Today's feature originally appeared in the August 2025 issue, and has been voiced in partnership with the RNIB. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Villain or maligned? In this interview, historical novelist Wendy Johnson—a founding member of Philippa Langley's “Looking for Richard” project—joins me to discuss her debut novel, The Traitor's Son, which traces Richard III's formative decade (1461–1471). We explore: What being close to the 2012 discovery in Leicester changed for her as a writer and Ricardian Why start with boyhood—and what newcomers should unlearn about Richard Fact vs fiction: where the record ends and imagination begins Favourite sources for Edward, George, and Richard Places that shaped the story: Ludlow, Middleham, London Teasers for Books 2 & 3 in the trilogy Plus: Wendy's top Ricardian must-visit sites, the scene she'd film first, and one non-fiction pick to read next. I'm Claire Ridgway. Thanks for watching. Please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts below! #RichardIII #WarsOfTheRoses #HistoricalFiction #LookingForRichard #Plantagenets #MedievalHistory

AMDG. Literature teachers John Turrentine and James Endres want you to love Shakespeare as much as they do. The duo dives deeply into the classic works you've heard of before, giving a fresh perspective on well-known plays, and introduces some of Shakespeare's plays that you may never have heard of before. With their combined 25 years of experience, John and James address Shakespeare readers of all levels. Whether you are picking up a play for the first time or re-reading an old favorite for the thousandth time, this conversation will have something to teach you.  Links mentioned & relevant:  Medieval Shakespeare Study Guide Set Shakespeare The Sonnets Books in Kolbe's Roman Literature course, including Julius Caesar Books in Kolbe's Era of Christendom course, including Richard III,  Macbeth, and The Tempest  Related Kolbecast episodes:  266 New Voice, Handy Catalog with Gwynith DeMonte 177 Tabletop Theology with Alexi Sargeant 3 Dramatic Arts with Dolores Ann Mihaliak  Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to podcast@kolbe.org and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.   We'd be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey!  The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles).  Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast! 

Historian Nathen Amin joined me at Harvington History Festival to talk about the marriage of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, the involvement of their mothers and how the couple themselves felt about it.Watch this episode on Youtube - Click HereSupport this channel, and get lots more history, by joining my Patreon - Patreon.com/BritishHistoryI'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is precious but if you do have 10 minutes you can spare to fill out this anonymous listener survey, I'd be really grateful - http://bit.ly/britishhistorypodcast-surveyPhilippa founded award-winning Historic Tour Operator British History Tours in 2014. Find out about these luxury, fully-escorted, immersive historical experiences at BritishHistoryTours.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, I delve farther into one of the character's from last week's episode about the War of the Roses: Richard III. Richard is a highly misunderstood historical figure, whose reputation was tainted by later Tudor propaganda during the reigns of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, the son and granddaughter of his usurper, Henry VII. But how much of that reputation was deserved? And, possibly more interesting, what did we learn from the 2012 discovery of Richard's body crammed unadorned and coffin-less into a too small grave beneath a parking lot in Leicester, England? Let's fix that. Support the show! Join the Patreon (patreon.com/historyfixpodcast)Buy some merchBuy Me a CoffeeVenmo @Shea-LaFountaineSources: Historic UK "The life of King Edward IV"Cambridge University "Deciphering Two Opaque Sources on the Death of King Edward IV of England"History Hit "Bosworth Field - Actual Site"King Richard III Visitor's Center "An Incredible Discovery"University of Leicester "The King's Grave"University of Leicester "Injuries"CNN "Five things we've learned about Richard III since he was found"Shoot me a message!

Ep 261 is loose and we are tackling the huge, haunting mystery at the heart of the War of the Roses - what happened to the princes in the tower?What led to the young boys' disappearance? Was Richard III responsible? And why did all these cousins keeping slapping each other?The secret ingredient is...a tower!Get cocktails, poisoning stories and historical true crime tales every week by following and subscribing to The Poisoners' Cabinet wherever you get your podcasts. Find us and our cocktails at www.thepoisonerscabinet.com Join us Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepoisonerscabinet Find us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepoisonerscabinet Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepoisonerscabinet/ Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePoisonersCabinet Listen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePoisonersCabinet Sources this week include the extensive Wiki entries for the Princes In The Tower, War of the Roses, Elizabeth Woodville, Henry VII, Richard III, Edward IV, Lambert Simnel and Perkin Warbeck, as well as archives from Historic Royal Palaces, History Journal, BBC Culture, History Today and History Extra. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard III is an early history play probably written and performed around 1592-93. It is the culmination of Shakespeare's earlier three plays about Henry VI, and chronicles the bloody career of Richard, Duke of Gloucester. As the play opens, the Wars of the Roses are over, King Edward IV (Richard's brother) is on the throne, and all is ostensibly well. But Richard wants to be king - and he'll stop at nothing to realize his ambition. This is a dramatic reading.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Richard III is an early history play probably written and performed around 1592-93. It is the culmination of Shakespeare's earlier three plays about Henry VI, and chronicles the bloody career of Richard, Duke of Gloucester. As the play opens, the Wars of the Roses are over, King Edward IV (Richard's brother) is on the throne, and all is ostensibly well. But Richard wants to be king - and he'll stop at nothing to realize his ambition. This is a dramatic reading.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Richard III is an early history play probably written and performed around 1592-93. It is the culmination of Shakespeare's earlier three plays about Henry VI, and chronicles the bloody career of Richard, Duke of Gloucester. As the play opens, the Wars of the Roses are over, King Edward IV (Richard's brother) is on the throne, and all is ostensibly well. But Richard wants to be king - and he'll stop at nothing to realize his ambition. This is a dramatic reading.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Um homem lutou com todas as forças para colocar o nome da sua família no trono da Inglaterra — em meio a uma guerra sangrenta entre duas casas rivais.Esse homem era Henrique Tudor, que saiu do exílio sem nada, conquistou aliados e derrubou o rei da época, tornando-se o primeiro Tudor a usar a coroa.Neste episódio, eu vou te contar como Henrique VII chegou ao poder, os desafios que enfrentou para manter sua dinastia e por que ele foi tão decisivo para a história da Inglaterra.No final, ainda vou te dar dicas de lugares que você pode visitar no país para aprender mais sobre ele e sobre a Guerra das Rosas, pano de fundo dessa virada histórica.Locais mencionados no episódio:Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Center em LeicestershirePeça A Tragédia de Ricardo III ou Richard III, de ShakespeareAbadia de Westminster - Capela Henrique VII ou Lady ChapelPara contato, parcerias e sugestão de episódios, envie um e-mail para: ⁠passaporteprocrime@gmail.com⁠Se você gosta do Passaporte pro Crime, considere apoiar o projeto via:Orelo: ⁠⁠orelo.cc/passaporteprocrime⁠Apoia.se: https://apoia.se/passaporteprocrimePatreon: patreon.com/PassaporteproCrimePara ficar por dentro de novidades e fofocas da vida da apresentadora, é só seguir:Instagram: @andressaisferTikTok: @andressa.isferApoiadores agora têm acesso a conteúdos exclusivos! Não esqueça de conferir!E aos já apoiadores, meu muitíssssimo obrigada!

Jake and I welcome Julliard graduate and bay area actress Gabriella (Gavi) Goldstein, who was last seen as Queen Elizabeth in Silicon Valley Shakes' Richard III. Gavi has also been on television (So Nova, Canapes and Bury ‘Em Deep). We talk about her upbringing, her education, her views on acting on stage vs on the small screen, and where she sees herself in the future. You can learn more about Gavi via her website: https://www.gabriella-goldstein.com/ You can reach out to Gavi personally via Instagram: @thegavigoldstein The Yay is in partnership with Theatre Bay Area, as it brings back the wildly popular Bay Area Theatre Week, a 10-day celebration, from September 12 to the 22nd, of our vital local theatre community this fall. Audiences are invited to join us for this festival of discounted and free events created by local theatres. This year, Theatre Bay Area is expanding Bay Area Theatre Week offerings to include free events, social mixers, and classes in addition to discounted shows. Throughout the festival, audiences will discover theatre in their neighborhood, support local artists, and enjoy amazing live performances across the Bay. To find out information on all of the shows that TBA's Bay Area Theatre Week is showcasing, click here: https://members.theatrebayarea.org/batwcalendar Alexis Green (Episode 330) has a wonderful product that will improve your mental and spiritual health. It's the Clarity Journal – it's a journal, designed from lived experience - a compassionate tool for anyone seeking deeper emotional awareness. With daily check-ins, a mood wheel, and free-writing spaces, Alexis and her company has created a nurturing environment to help you connect with your true self. As a journal writer myself for many years, I can attest to how soothing it is for me to have a journal – I think it'll work for you too. Check out the Clarity Journal at https://clarity-journals.com/. Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She's an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She's also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc'late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let's support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Two Trains Running (Lower Bottom Playaz) LAST WEEK! Reg Wilkins (Episode 276) is in the show Dr. Ayodele Nzinga (Episode 257) is the director https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/the-lower-bottom-playaz/67be8abea24e940f61dd4990 Little Women (TheatreWorks Silicon Valley) Sept 24 – Oct 12 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episodes 120 & 225) is in the show Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is in the show https://theatreworks.org/ The Day The Sky Turned Orange (SF BATCO) Sept 5 – Oct 5 Julius Rea is a part of the writing team https://www.sfbatco.org/orange?_gl=1*hw20cb*_gcl_au*MTM3MjExODcyMi4xNzQ2ODkxNzQ0*_ga*MTQ1MDQyNzIxNS4xNzQ2ODkxNzQ0*_ga_J4D8M8TLG0*czE3NDY4OTE3NDQkbzEkZzAkdDE3NDY4OTE3NDQkajYwJGwwJGgw Dracula: a Comedy of Terror (City Lights Theatre) Sept 25 – Oct 19 Nick Mandracchia (Episode 43) is in the show https://cltc.org/event/dracula/ The Wisdom of Eve (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 24 – Nov 23 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 and 251) directs the play https://www.altarena.org/2025-season-announcement/the-wisdom-of-eve-2025/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Shakespeare's Julius Caesar feels urgently contemporary in Rosa Joshi's new production at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival—one of America's largest and longest-running theater festivals, now in its 90th season. Staged in partnership with Seattle's upstart crow collective, the production explores the threat of autocracy, drawing on global histories of dictatorship. Performed entirely by women and nonbinary actors, Joshi's Julius Caesar offers new perspectives on a historically male-dominated political landscape. The result is a fresh reading of Shakespeare's classic tale of power, loyalty, and betrayal. In this episode, Joshi reflects on the production, the politics of performance, and why Shakespeare's plays continue to illuminate moments of crisis. >> Discover more about Julius Caesar at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival From the Shakespeare Unlimited podcast. Published August 25, 2025. © Folger Shakespeare Library. All rights reserved. This episode was produced by Matt Frassica. Garland Scott is the executive 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. Rosa Joshi (she/her) is a director, producer and educator. She currently serves as Associate Artistic Director of Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Rosa's directing work spans from Shakespeare to modern classics and contemporary plays. Throughout her career she has created work independently through self-producing, and in 2006 she co-founded upstart crow collective a company that produces classical plays with diverse casts of women and non-binary people. With upstart crow, she has directed King John, Bring Down the House, Richard III, Titus Andronicus, and Coriolanus. She is committed to creating ambitious productions of classical work featuring women, non-binary, and BIPOC artists. As Interim Artistic Director of Northwest Asian American Theatre, Rosa produced a range of Asian American performances, including: A-Fest, an international performance festival; Traces, a world premiere multi-disciplinary, multi-media, international collaborative work. She was also a Resident Director and Artistic Director of the Second Company at New City Theater, where she directed and produced various classical and contemporary plays. Rosa has been a faculty member at Seattle University and has also taught at The Old Globe University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program, Hong Kong University, Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, and Cornish College for the Arts. Rosa holds an MFA in Directing from the Yale School of Drama and a BA in Theatre and Psychology from Bucknell University.

On 22 August 1485 Henry Tudor met Richard III at Bosworth Field. In a strange battle, Henry's smaller force eventually overcame Richard's army. The Wars of the Roses were all but over after thirty years of murder, warfare and political machinations. In this final episode of our 6 part special, Derek Birks, author of The Guide to the  Wars of the Roses and David Pilling author of Kingbreaker, join to discuss the battle, the factions involved, Henry Tudor and Richard III. Links A Guide to the Wars of the Roses, by Derek Birks Kingbreaker: Rebel and Traitor, by David Pilling Kingmaker Board Game 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Richard III. ist einer von Shakespeares Super-Bösewichten. Ob sein reales Vorbild wirklich so böse war, ist in Großbritannien eine heiß diskutierte Frage. Vor allem seit vor ein paar Jahren Richards Grab wiederentdeckt wurde.

A King clinging to his right to rule. A young Tudor ready to snatch the crown and begin a new dynasty.With immersive sound design and cinematic story-telling; Matt Lewis brings to life one of the pivotal moments in English history—the Battle of Bosworth.On August 22, 1485, Richard III faced off against Henry Tudor, a clash that culminated in the end of the Wars of the Roses and marked a turning point for the English crown. From the strategic moves on the battlefield to the dramatic death of Richard III and the rise of Henry VII, Matt delivers a vivid recounting of the events that reshaped England's monarchy.MORERichard IIIPrinces in the Tower: New Evidence RevealedWatch Matt Lewis at Bosworth on History Hit's YouTube channelGone Medieval is written and presented by Matt Lewis. Sound design by Amy Haddow. 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 including Matt Lewis' two part documentary on Richard III. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In August of 1483 a sighting was reported of two young boys playing in the grounds of the Tower of London. Rumours spread that these were the two princes, Edward V and his younger brother Richard Duke of York. It was the last time they were seen again, and ever since, speculation has been rife that their uncle, Richard III had them killed, or, and this is perhaps less likely, they managed to escape abroad. So began the reign of Richard III as Derek Birks, author of the Guide to the Wars of the Roses and David Pilling, author of Kingbreaker join me to discuss the enduring mystery of what happened to the princes. Links A Guide to the Wars of the Roses, by Derek Birks Kingbreaker: Rebel and Traitor, by David Pilling Kingmaker Board Game 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode explores the forgotten women of the Yorkist dynasty - the sisters of Edward IV and Richard III. Anne of York, Elizabeth of York (Duchess of Suffolk), and Margaret of York (Duchess of Burgundy) each lived through the turbulence of the Wars of the Roses and the rise of the Tudors, but their fates were far from simple. From disastrous marriages and confiscated inheritances to sons who defied the Tudors and foreign alliances that reshaped Europe, their stories reveal how dynastic bloodlines continued to haunt Henry VII and Henry VIII long after Bosworth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we dive into Clarence's dream and murder in Shakespeare's Richard III.

Welcome to episode 4 of this 6 part special on the Wars of the Roses. Today's episode sees Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, the Kingmaker, make plans which soon fall apart. Joining me are two historians, Derek Birks, the author of the Guide to the Wars of the Roses, and David Pilling, author of Kingbreaker. You'll get two episodes per week, and so hopefully will emerge from August with a superior knowledge of a conflict that was an early civil war, and which formed England for the next few hundred years. All the great characters are here, Elizabeth Woodville, Henry VI, Queen Margaret, Warwick the Kingmaker, Edward IV, Richard III and finally Henry Tudor. Links A Guide to the Wars of the Roses, by Derek Birks Kingbreaker: Rebel and Traitor, by David Pilling Kingmaker Board Game 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to episode 3 of this 6 part special on the Wars of the Roses. Today Edward IV emerges as the great new hope for the Yorkist cause now that his father, Richard Duke of York is dead. Joining me are two historians, Derek Birks, the author of the Guide to the Wars of the Roses, and David Pilling, author of Kingbreaker. You'll get two episodes per week, and so hopefully will emerge from August with a superior knowledge of a conflict that was an early civil war, and which formed England for the next few hundred years. All the great characters are here, Elizabeth Woodville, Queen Margaret, Warwick the Kingmaker, Edward IV, Richard III and finally Henry Tudor. Links A Guide to the Wars of the Roses, by Derek Birks Kingbreaker: Rebel and Traitor, by David Pilling Kingmaker Board Game 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today I'm telling the often forgotten story of Katherine of York, daughter of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville, sister to Elizabeth of York and the Princes in the Tower, and aunt to Henry VIII. Katherine's life began in splendour—once betrothed to a Spanish prince, raised at the glittering Yorkist court—but her future was derailed by scandal, political shifts, and personal loss. Declared illegitimate by her uncle Richard III, she was forced into sanctuary with her mother and siblings… but would go on to serve her queenly sister, stand as chief mourner at a royal funeral, and quietly manage vast estates in Devon. In this video, I'll explore: - Her royal childhood and broken Spanish marriage alliance - The impact of Richard III's rise to power - Her marriage to the Earl of Devon and her son's tragic fate - Why she took a vow of chastity — and withdrew from court - And how she styled herself “the excellent Princess Katherine, daughter, sister and aunt of kings” Katherine of York never wore a crown, but she was at the very heart of Plantagenet and Tudor dynasties — living through regime change, rebellion, and royal funerals. #TudorHistory #KatherineOfYork #ForgottenWomen #RoyalHistory #Plantagenets #Yorkists #HenryVIII #ElizabethOfYork #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles #OnThisDay

Join us as we dive into Clarence's dream and murder in Shakespeare's Richard III.

Welcome to episode 2 of this 6 part special on the Wars of the Roses as today we deal with the fall of Edward Duke of York. Joining me are two historians, Derek Birks, the author of the Guide to the Wars of the Roses, and David Pilling, author of KingBreaker. You'll get two episodes per week, and so hopefully will emerge from August with a superior knowledge of a conflict that was an early civil war, and which formed England for the next few hundred years. All the great characters are here, Elizabeth Woodville, Queen Margaret, Warwick the Kingmaker, Edward IV, Richard III and finally Henry Tudor. Links A Guide to the Wars of the Roses, by Derek Birks Kingbreaker: Rebel and Traitor, by David Pilling Kingmaker Board Game 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Was Richard III really the monster Shakespeare painted him to be? Or have centuries of myth and propaganda hidden the man he truly was? In this exclusive interview, I (Claire Ridgway, historian and author) sit down with the creative team behind "A Taste of Loyalty"—a powerful new short film (inspired by Matthew Lewis's novel "Loyalty"), which explores one of the most pivotal (and misunderstood) moments in Richard III's life. Join me as I talk with: - Matt Lewis, historian and novelist - Thomas Dennis, director, screenwriter, and the man portraying Richard III - Tiffany Lunn, composer and musical visionary for the film Together, we discuss: - Why this isn't your typical Richard III story - How they're balancing historical accuracy with powerful storytelling - The challenges and joys of adapting a novel for the screen on a tight budget - The emotional depth behind the music, the costumes, and the character of Richard - Their long-term vision for the project—and how you can help make it happen Whether you're a Ricardian, a Wars of the Roses enthusiast, a lover of historical fiction, or just curious about how history comes alive through film—this conversation is packed with insight, passion, and behind-the-scenes gems. Listen now and meet the team rewriting Richard III's legacy. SUPPORT the film: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-taste-of-loyalty#/ #ATasteOfLoyalty #RichardIII #WarsOfTheRoses #TudorHistory #ClaireRidgway #HistoricalFiction #MattLewis #ThomasDennis #HistoricalFilm #Ricardian #BehindTheScenes #MedievalDrama #RewritingHistory

Welcome to the first of 6 episodes on the Wars of the Roses. Over the next few weeks we'll be starting with the Battle of St. Alban's in 1455, all the way up to the Battle of Bosworth thirty years later in 1485 when Richard definitely said, "A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!" Joining me are two historians, Derek Birks, the author of the Guide to the Wars of the Roses, and David Pilling, author of Kingbreaker. You'll get two episodes per week, and so hopefully will emerge from August with a superior knowledge of a conflict that was an early civil war, and which formed England for the next few hundred years. All the great characters are here: Henry VI, Elizabeth Woodville, Queen Margaret, Warwick the Kingmaker, Edward IV, Richard III and finally Henry Tudor. Links A Guide to the Wars of the Roses, by Derek Birks Kingbreaker: Rebel and Traitor, by David Pilling Kingmaker Board Game The Causes of the Wars of the Roses 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we continue the saga behind the making of Guns N' Roses' November Rain music video and dive into the bizarre tale of John Murray Spear, a 19th‑century activist‑turned‑spiritualist who claimed the ghost of Benjamin Franklin ordered him to build a “Mechanical Messiah” to usher in a new era of world peace. A listener email tells the story of finding the long lost bones of Richard III under a parking lot.Episode Tabs:The ‘November Rain' music video defined a generation. Inside its ‘bonkers' productionhttps://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2022-06-07/novemeber-rain-guns-n-roses-music-video-making-of-30th-anniversaryInterview: John Benedict Buescher - Author of The Remarkable Life of John Murray Spearhttps://www.strange-phenomenon.com/john-benedict-buescher-transcriptListener Tabs:Art of @nn-ee-zzhttps://www.tumblr.com/nn-ee-zz/786542016059310080/hiii-i-was-just-wandering-if-you-wouldnt-mindRichard III: Discovery and Identificationhttps://le.ac.uk/richard-iii/discoveryEmail your closed tab submissions to: 500opentabs@gmail.comSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/500OpenTabs500 Open Roads (Google Maps episode guide): https://maps.app.goo.gl/Tg9g2HcUaFAzXGbw7Continue the conversation by joining us on Discord! https://discord.gg/8px5RJHk7aSUPPORT THE SHOW and get 40% off an annual subscription to Nebula by going to nebula.tv/500opentabsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025 series Elaine chats with performer and co-creator Emily Carding about their show Timonopoly TIMONOPOLY – George Mackay Brown Library at Scottish Storytelling Centre Now - 12 August (not 6th) Time: 12:20 (60 mins) A Shakespeare play turned into a board game with interactive elements and politics thrown in for good measure. It's quite a hard thing to describe but if you love a game with a twist and a good story. Timonopoly Come Fortune! Let's play a game. It's only money... Inspired by Timon of Athens, one of Shakespeare's least known works, Timonopoly is a unique experience, a game, a show, an event. Come take your chance with Fortune. Let's see how easily any of us can fall through the cracks of society... whoops! Brite Theatre (Deliverance) continue to push the immersive envelope, creating ever more daring audience-specific work and bold adaptations of classical material. The long-anticipated final instalment of the Coward Conscience trilogy, following Richard III (a one-person show) and Hamlet (an experience). For more information on the creator check out emilycarding.com and for the company @britetheater TICKET LINK HERE OUR WEBSITE - www.persistentandnasty.co.uk Persistent and Nasty join the CEC community to create a safe space & build a community for those who are marginalised in any way in the arts. Link for our Zoom meeting with Creative Entrepreneurs Club https://creativeentrepreneursclub.co.uk/ MAIL BAG – you can write and ask us industry related questions or general questions or maybe you have a hot take you want to chare, some tea you want to spill or a topic you want discussed on the podcast. To be included in the Mail Bag podcast email persistentandnansty@gmail.com with subject line MAIL BAG or slide into the DM's. IPA GUIDES: HIPA GUIDES Equity Toolkit: Link Stellar Quines: Link Persistent Pal & Nasty Hero - Pals and Hero Membership Email – persistentandnasty@gmail.com Instagram - @persistentandnasty Twitter - @PersistentNasty Coffee Morning Eventbrite - Coffee Morning Tickets LINKTREE - LINKTR.EE Resources Samaritans - Rape Crisis Scotland - Rape Crisis UK ArtsMinds - BAPAM Freelancers Make Theatre Work Stonewall UK - Trevor Project - Mermaids UK Switchboard LGBT+ - GATE PLANNED PARENTHOOD DONATE - DONATE ABORTION SUPPORT NETWORK UK - ASN.COM- DONATE

Join us as we dive into Clarence's dream and murder in Shakespeare's Richard III. Featuring Geoffrey Wade (DIRECTOR), Gideon Rappaport (DRAMATURG), Peter Van Norden (CLARENCE), Aubrey Saverino (FIRST MURDERER) and Dan Cordova (SECOND MURDERER).

The Untold Story of Sir Reginald Bray - He wasn't a king… but he helped make one. Sir Reginald Bray may not be a household name, but this quiet powerhouse of the Tudor court knew Henry VII from boyhood, helped plan the invasion that toppled Richard III, and then served as one of the most powerful men in England. - Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster - Spymaster - Master of royal revenues - Patron of grand Tudor architecture - Head of the dreaded Council Learned in the Law From buying young Henry Tudor his first bow and arrows… to financing the very rebellion that launched a dynasty… to managing the wealth and secrets of a king — Bray was everywhere. In this episode of On This Day in Tudor History, I explore the fascinating life and legacy of Sir Reginald Bray, who died on 5 August 1503. Discover the man behind the monarch — the loyal servant who helped build the Tudor world from the shadows. Watch now to learn how one administrator helped shape a dynasty. Like, subscribe, and comment: Had you heard of Reginald Bray before today? Want even more hidden Tudor figures and behind-the-scenes power players? Browse the channel and join my Tudor inner circle through memberships! #TudorHistory #OnThisDay #HenryVII #SirReginaldBray #MargaretBeaufort #BattleOfBosworth #TudorCourt #ClaireRidgway #TudorSecrets #HistoryYouTube #HiddenFigures #TudorDynasty

John Scrope, 5th Baron Scrope of Bolton   This Tudor baron backed the losing side again and again… and still kept his head. Today, I'm exploring the incredible life of John Scrope, 5th Baron Scrope of Bolton — a nobleman who seemed to have nine lives. He fought at Towton, rebelled against Edward IV, supported Richard III, backed the pretender Lambert Simnel against Henry VII, and even attacked York... And yet, he was pardoned. Every. Single. Time. So, how did he do it? Was Scrope a master strategist, politically untouchable, or just plain lucky? Join me as I uncover: - Scrope's wild ride through the Wars of the Roses - His rebellion, capture, and miraculous reprieves - The secret to his Tudor survival streak Let me know in the comments — was Scrope savvy, slippery, or just well-connected? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and ring that bell for more Tudor tales like this one. #JohnScrope #TudorHistory #WarsOfTheRoses #HenryVII #RichardIII #LambertSimnel #AnneBoleynFiles #HistoryNerd #MedievalSurvivor #OnThisDay #BritishHistory

July 17, 1674. During renovations at the Tower of London, construction workers digging beneath a stone staircase make a chilling discovery—two child-sized skeletons buried ten feet underground. And King Charles II believes he knows who they are. The remains reignite one of the most enduring mysteries in British history: the fate of the Princes in the Tower. For over 500 years, historians have debated what happened to King Edward V and his younger brother, Prince Richard. Were they murdered—perhaps by their uncle, Richard III? Or did they simply vanish from the historical record? This week, Sally Helm speaks with Philippa Langley, author of The Princes in the Tower: Solving History's Greatest Cold Case. Langley shares why she believes we've been looking at this mystery the wrong way—and how new evidence could finally bring the truth to light. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chocolate Yoddah reads a classic soliloquy from William Shakespeare.Follow Me On TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@chocolate_yoddahGet Uncensored Content On Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/ThePersistentRumorFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/ThePersistentRumorInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ThePersistentRumorTwitterhttps://twitter.com/PersistentRumorOriginal theme music written, produced, and performed by Chocolate Yoddah

Blake Ellis is the Artistic Director and Managing Producer of Chanticleer Shakespeare Co. in Fresno. He joins the program for a few segments. First, Blake discusses how Chanticleer Shakes came about, his impressive "triad of power" artistic team, why theatergoers often "fear" Shakespeare (they shouldn't!) and how their debut production, Richard III, was received. The Christopher Gabriel Program ----------------------------------------------------------- Please Like, Comment and Follow 'The Christopher Gabriel Program' on all platforms: The Christopher Gabriel Program is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. --- The Christopher Gabriel Program | Website | Facebook | X | Instagram | --- Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A look at this summer's Richard III and a comparison between Shakespeare's Richard and History's Richard!Acting Credits:Richard III--James LucasLady Anne--Doll PiccottoSir Thomas More--James LucasPoem: "Richard" by Carol Anne DuffyPerformed by James Lucas

There are certain guests who make the conversation so easy and enjoyable that time simply passes too quickly. This was the case with old friend Greg Stuhr. Having recently appeared on Broadway (and CNN) in the highly acclaimed production of Good Night and Good Luck, this became the starting point for a rousing and revealing chat-fest that begged to be broken into two parts! In this portion, Greg talks knowledgeably and with great candor about casting, rehearsals, and time onstage with George Clooney. Then he continues with an inside preview of his Shakespeare in Delaware Park directorial debut of Richard III, opening in late July. And it's only the first half of this not-to-be-missed interview!

In this episode, Charlie Higson is heading into the barrel. No, not to scrape the bottom of it, but to talk about George Duke of Clarence. If you know anything about him, the one fact is probably that he was famously drowned on the orders of his own brother in a barrel of Malmsy wine. But why? Well that is the question Charlie is going to be answering in this episode and to help him, he welcomes back Matt Lewis, presenter and writer for the History Hit channel. Matt is fascinated by the medieval period, with a particular interest in the Wars of the Roses and Richard III and has written many books based around that period. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do we know so little about Anne Neville, despite her significant role in history?Anne Neville led a life shaped by power, tragedy, and shifting allegiances. Daughter of the formidable Warwick the Kingmaker, Anne was widowed at 15 before marrying Richard, Duke of Gloucester - later Richard III. Crowned alongside him in a dazzling coronation, Anne's reign was brief and marred by heartbreak, especially after the death of her only son.Matt Lewis reflects on Anne Neville's life of resilience and sorrow - and the political and social dynamics of Medieval women in power - with historian Joanna Laynesmith.MoreA Voice for Richard IIIhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/0KhcblgXYqBTqfMAaAG18uThe Wars of the Roses: Originshttps://open.spotify.com/episode/3DHhrD90zRN0IppdA29QXkGone 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://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

We all know that in 1485 King Henry VII successfully snatched the throne from king Richard III, but what do we know of henrys ancestry? How did the Tudor name come to be in the first place? Well to discuss all of this, I am pleased to welcome historian Nathen Amin onto the podcast for the first time, to discuss his book, Son of Prophecy, the Rise of Henry Tudor with me. From Henry's 6 x great-grandfather who presented his prince with three severed heads as a present, to Henry Tudors grandfather Owen Tudor nibbling the cheek of Catherine of Valois, all of this and much more will be covered, so settle in and get one hell of a lesson in Welsh and Tudor history!

Ali Stroker is a trailblazing actor and advocate who joined the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast as a guest Qook-a-lacka on our episode focused on inclusion. Today, Ali is back — out of character, as her amazing self — to talk with LKBH Host Todd Loyd about her own experiences with disability and inclusion. ❤️ She reflects on what Scarlett and Zach said on the episode: "When I hear Scarlett talking about horseback riding: It felt like she was explaining something that was so normal. And that, to me, is progress."❤️ She shares her own personal motto — Turning Limitations into Opportunities: "It can apply to somebody with a disability or not because as human beings, we have limitations. It's part of existing in the world."  ❤️ She talks about being a mom with a disability — and how being a mom in a wheelchair affects her parenting and her son's independence. ❤️ She talks about the power of "inclusive playgrounds." "I never had one inclusive playground growing up, and to this day, I still go to the playground and I have this like funny feeling in my stomach because it was a place of confusion and shame and frustration for me as a child ... Every kid deserves that freedom and that ability to play in an outdoor space with their friends."❤️ She talks about a moment when she was in 1st grade and her PE teachers included her in a lesson on "how to skip," which changed her life. "Thirty-one years later, I still remember it because it felt like I was included and someone had taken a little bit of time to get creative and make me feel like I was learning a new school too, and that I could be a part of the group in moving...And that meant everything to me, everything!" ❤️ She talked about her children's book "Ali and the Sea Stars," which was based on her own experience as a six year old being introduced to musical theater by her neighbor on the Jersey Shore. "It basically set my entire life journey of  becoming a musical theater and actress and everything that I do now." ❤️ She shares advice for kids with disabilities who want to try something new that hasn't been done before. Ali Stroker is a Tony Award winner for her role as ‘Ado Annie' in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! She made history as the first actor in a wheelchair to appear on Broadway in Deaf West's acclaimed revival of Spring Awakening and the first actor in a wheelchair to win a Tony. She was a series regular on the Netflix series, Echoes, and starred in the Lifetime holiday film, Christmas Ever After. Ali recurred in the final season of Netflix's Ozark and in Hulu's Only Murders in the Building. She co-wrote the novel, The Chance to Fly and its sequel, Cut Loose!; and she wrote the children's book, Ali and the Sea Stars. She was recently seen opposite Matthew Broderick in Babbitt at Shakespeare Theatre Company in DC and played 'Lady Anne' in the Shakespeare in the Park production of Richard III. She's performed her one woman show all over the country. Her mission to improve the lives of others through the arts is captured in her motto: “Turning Your Limitations Into Your Opportunities.”Learn more on our episode webpage: https://playsparkler.org/inclusion/Watch on our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@LittleKidsBigHearts

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 28, 2025 is: alacrity • uh-LAK-ruh-tee • noun Alacrity refers to a quick and cheerful readiness to do something. // She accepted the invitation to go on the trip with an alacrity that surprised her parents, who had assumed she wouldn't be interested. See the entry > Examples: “Antipater, about to mount his horse, saw Pollio and Sameas so close to him that the sleeve of Sameas almost touched his own in the crush. … Antipater had graciously invited the two to view his new grandson and sip a cup of wine cooled by snow brought from Mount Hermon. The two accepted with alacrity.” — Zora Neale Hurston, The Life of Herod the Great, 2025 Did you know? “I have not that alacrity of spirit / Nor cheer of mind that I was wont to have,” says William Shakespeare's King Richard III in the play that bears his name. Alas and alack, Richard! Alacrity comes from the Latin word alacer, meaning “lively” or “eager,” and suggests physical quickness coupled with eagerness or enthusiasm. Thus, a spirit that lacks alacrity—like Richard III's—is in the doldrums, in need of a little (to use a much less formal word than alacrity) get-up-and-go.

Ever since Shakespeare wrote his tragedy on Richard III the world has thought of him as an evil king with a shriveled soul. But is that actually unjust?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who was Lambert Simnel—the boy who nearly claimed the Tudor throne? In late 15th-century England, identity wasn't just a matter of birth—it could be a political weapon, a tool for rebellion, and sometimes, an outright performance. The story of Simnel, a boy plucked from obscurity and passed off as the York heir, reveals how precarious the Tudor dynasty really was—and how easily the lines between truth and fiction could blur. Author Jo Harkin joins us to explore the strange life of Simnel, the so-called Yorkist “pretender” who nearly toppled Henry VII. In her new novel The Pretender, Harkin imagines Simnel's life beyond the history books, from his childhood on a farm to his years at court. Along the way, she unpacks what it meant to be groomed for kingship, what royal power struggles looked like from a child's point of view, and how historical fiction can fill in the gaps of the past. Though Shakespeare never wrote a play about Henry VII, his portrayal of Richard III helped shape how we remember the Wars of the Roses—and how we understand power, myth, and legacy. Harkin reflects on those cultural inheritances, showing how writing about this era means grappling with historical facts and the fictions we've come to accept. Simnel's story reminds us that what endures isn't always what's real, but what people are ready to believe. Jo Harkin's debut speculative fiction novel, Tell Me An Ending, was a New York Times Book of the Year. Her first historical novel, The Pretender, was published in April 2025 in the U.K. and the U.S. She lives in Berkshire, England. From the Shakespeare Unlimited podcast. Published April 22, 2025. © Folger Shakespeare Library. All rights reserved. This episode was produced by Matt Frassica. Garland Scott is the executive 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.