Hamlet is commonly regarded as one of the greatest plays ever written. Drawing on Danish chronicles and the Elizabethan vogue for revenge tragedy, Shakespeare created a play that is at once a philosophic treatise, a family drama, and a supernatural thriller. In the wake of his father's death, Prince Hamlet finds that his Uncle Claudius has swiftly taken the throne and married his mother, Queen Gertrude. The ghost of the dead king then appears and charges Claudius with 'murder most foul.' Hamlet is called to revenge his father's death: but will he be able to act before it is too late? Cast:
Claudius, King of Denmark - Michael Sirois
Gertrude, Queen of Denmark, and Mother of Hamlet - Elizabeth Klett
Ghost Of Hamlet, the Late King of Denmark - dolohov
Hamlet, Son to the former, and Nephew to the present King - John Gonzalez
Polonius, Lord Chamberlain - Andy Minter
Laertes, Son to Polonius - Denny Sayers
Ophelia, Daughter to Polonius - Kristin Hughes
Reynaldo, Servant to Polonius - Thomas Wells
Horatio, Friend to Hamlet - David Nicol
Rosencrantz, Courtier - Kara Shallenberg
Guildenstern, Courtier - Karen Savage
Francisco, a Soldier - Andrew Lebrun
Bernardo, Officer - David O’Connell
Marcellus, Officer - Jordan Mueller
Voltimand, Courtier - Thomas Wells
Osric, Courtier - allex
A Gentleman, Courtier - David Jaquay
Another Gentleman - mb
Clown One, Grave-digger - Brennan Holtzclaw
Clown Two, Grave-digger - Christie Nowak
A Priest - Kevin O’Coin
Fortinbras, Prince of Norway - mb
A Captain & his Army - Andrew Lebrun
English Ambassador - Andrew Lebrun
First Player - Rosalind Wills
Player King - Denny Sayers
Player Queen - Kirsten Ferreri
Player Lucianus - allex
Group Of Danes - David O'Connell
Lord - LaurenT
Servant - Christie Nowak
Stage Direction - Rosalind Wills
Editors - mb & Jc Guan
Dedicated Proof-Listeners - Elizabeth Klett & mb
Book Coordinators - J.C., Scott Sherris, Jc Guan, Elizabeth Klett & mb
6 episodes
Richard II by William Shakespeare is the first of eight plays that portray a historically-informed version of the War of the Roses - beginning in about 1365 and ending with Richard III's death in 1485.Edited by J. M. Smallheer and John Gonzalez. (Summary by Cori)
Characters:
Narration, Keeper, and Lord - read by Annie Coleman
King Richard II and First Servant - read by Peter Yearsley
Northumberland and Gaunt - read by Chip
Bolingbroke - read by Kayvan Sylvan
Aumerle - read by John Gonzalez
Henry Percy - read by Michael Sirois
York - read by Martin Clifton
Mowbray - read by Mark F. Smith
Surrey and Willoughby - read by Nikolle Doolin
Salisbury - read by David Barnes
Bushy and Carlisle - read by Cecelia Prior
Bagot, Abbot, Scroop, and Exton - read by Linton
Green - read by deadwhitemales
Queen Isabel - read by Joy Chan
Duchess of York - read by Kristen McQuillin
Berkeley - read by Rainer
Ross - read by Mr. Baby Man
Fitzwater and Groom - read by Sean McKinley
Marshal - read by Lenny Glionna Jr.
Captain and First Herald - read by Hugh Mac
Duchess of Gloucester - read by Gesine
Lady - read by Maureen S. O'Brien
Gardener, Second Herald, and Second Servant - read by Kara Shallenberg
5 episodes
Faust is the protagonist of a classic German legend; a highly successful scholar, but also dissatisfied with his life, and so makes a deal with the devil, exchanging his soul for unlimited knowledge and worldly pleasures.Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's Faust is a tragic play in two parts. It is Goethe's most famous work and considered by many to be one of the greatest works of German literature.This first part of Faust is not divided into acts, but is structured as a sequence of scenes in a variety of settings. After a dedicatory poem and a prelude in the theatre, the actual plot begins with a prologue in Heaven and Scene 1 in Faust's study. (Summary modified from Wikipedia)
Cast List:
Narrator, Stage Directions, Dedication: Alex Foster
Mephistopheles: om123
Faust: Stewart Wills
Margaret (Gretchen): Lucy Perry
Manager (scene 22), Chorus of Disciples, Beggar, Crane: George Deprez, PhD
Dramatic Poet, Chorus of Disciples, Citizen 2, Wizards, Minister, Worldling: bish
Merry-Andrew, Chorus of Disciples, Apprentice 1, Citizen 3, Siebel, Valentine, Wizards, Purist, Leader of the Band, Sceptic, The Heavy Fellows, Parvenu, Oberon, The Adroit, Dancing-Master: ToddHW
Raphael, Chorus of Angels, Student 1, Author, Musagetes: tipaew
Gabriel, Chorus of Angels, Student 2, Proktophantasmist, Xenies, Dogmatist: David Lawrence
Manager (Prelude), Michael, Chorus of Angels, Citizen 1, Servibilis, Hennings, Idealist: Peter Yearsley
The Lord, Old Peasant, Spirits, Ci-Devant Genius of the Age, Supernaturalist: Marty Kris
Wagner, General, Weathercock, Realist: John Burnett
People, Witches, Titania: Ana Simão
Chorus of Women, Servant-Girl 2, Peasants, Chorus (scene 20), Voice 2, Half-Witch, Witches, Orchestra: Kalynda
Martha, Chorus of Women, Servant-Girl 1, Peasants, Citizen's Daughter, The She-Ape, The Witch, Lisbeth, Huckster-Witch, Young Witch, Witches, Solo, Little Couple, Dancer: Natalie
Chorus of Women, Old Woman, Spirits, Evil Spirit, Old Witch, Matron: Rosalind Wills
Apprentice 2, Soldiers, Northern Artist, The Heavy Fellows: Lars Rolander
Spirit, Apprentice 3, Soldiers, Peasants, People, Chorus (scene 20), Ariel, Spirit Just Growing into Form, Will-O'-The-Wisps: TriciaG
Apprentice 4, Soldiers, Peasants, Chorus (scene 20), Voice 1, Orchestra, Little Couple, The Awkward: Liberty Stump
Apprentice 5, Soldiers, The He-Ape, The Orthodox, Shooting-Star: Bob Gonzalez
Frosch, Will-O'-The-Wisp, Inquisitive Traveller: Ransom
Brander, Herald, Good Fellow: Algy Pug
Altmayer, Puck: John FrickerEditors:
Stewart Wills
om123
Natalie
David Olson
Hennell
Annise
TriciaG
Roseanne Schmidt
Corinna Schultz
Linette Geisel
David Lawrence
8 episodes
Der erste Teil der Tragödie Faust, erstmals erschienen 1808, gilt als das bedeutendste und meistzitierte Werk der deutschen Literatur. Die Handlung spielt in Deutschland zur Wende des 16. Jahrhunderts, und bringt viele grundsätzliche gesellschaftliche Fragen und Themen zur Sprache, die auch heute noch modern sind.Heinrich Faust, ein nicht mehr junger, angesehener Forscher und Lehrer, zieht eine selbstkritische Lebensbilanz. Er ist beruflich und privat unzufrieden. Tief deprimiert und lebensmüde geworden, verspricht Faust dem Teufel Mephisto seine Seele, wenn es diesem gelingen sollte, ihn von seiner Unzufriedenheit zu befreien und für stetige Abwechslung zu sorgen. Mephisto ist bestrebt, Faust vom rechten Wege abzubringen, verwandelt ihn zurück in einen jungen Mann und nimmt ihn mit auf eine Reise durch die Welt. Er hilft ihm, eine Liebschaft mit der jungen Margarete (Gretchen) einzufädeln, einer naiven, sehr jungen Frau, in die sich Faust sofort verliebt. Faust jedoch richtet die junge Frau zugrunde, indem er sie verführt und schwängert und indem er den Tod von Gretchens Mutter und Bruder herbeiführt. Gretchen bringt ein uneheliches Kind zur Welt, tötet es halb wahnsinnig geworden, und wird daraufhin verhaftet. Faust will sie mit Mephistos Hilfe vor der Hinrichtung retten; er versucht vergeblich, sie zur Flucht zu überreden, kann sie aber nicht vom Wahnsinn befreien. Er muss sie schließlich ihrem Schicksal und der Gnade Gottes überlassen.
Die Rollen:
Erzähler: Gesine
Mephistopheles: Herman Roskams
Faust: redaer
Gretchen (Margarete): Sonja
Marthe: Availle
Wagner, Geister: Herr_Klugbeisser
Valentin: ekyale
Geist, Proktophantasmist, Oberon, Nordischer Künstler, Realist, Bettler, Orthodox, Windfahne, Die Unbehilflichen, Hennings, Ci-Dervant, Die Massiven, Orchester: Lars Rolander
Hexe, Halbhexe, Chor der Hexen, Trödelhexe, Junge Hexe, Chor der Weiber: Hokuspokus
Schüler: DerHoepp
Bürgermädchen, Dienstmädchen: Jc Guan
Direktor, Böser Geist, Sternschnuppe: Stephanie König
Alte Frau, Xenien: Rapunzelina
Frosch, Raphael, Michael: Dirk Weber
Gabriel: Claudia Weber
Die Tiere. Der Kater. Kätzin: Jennifer Takhar, Viktor Horvath und Katia Postnikova
Der Herr, Geisterchor, Bürger, Tänzer, Tanzmeister, Fiedler, Dogmatiker, General, Minister, Parvenü, Autor: Bastian Hepp
Bauern: ToddHW
Theaterdichter: Ernst Pattynama
Lustige Person, Skeptiker, Irrlicht: Robert Steiner
Handwerksbursche, Alter Bauer, Brandner, Siebel, Altmayer: Markus Wachenheim
Lieschen, die Alte, Titania: Katieamp
Purist, Ariel, Musaget, Herold, Ein Pärchen: Neeru Iyer
Chor der Engel: Christa
Puck, Neugieriger Reisender, Hexenmeister, Soldaten, Bauern, Gewandten, halber Chor: Elli
Irrlichter: Laurie Anne Walden
Stimme 1, 2: wilwarin
Idealist, Matrone, Weltkind: Nadine Eckert-Boulet
Servibilis, Supernaturalist, Die Schöne: Anna Simon
Chor der Jünger, Volk, Theatermeister: Christian Al-Kadi
Kapellmeister: jgoebel9
Kranich: Jessi
Audioschnitt: Rapunzelina
28 episodes
Romeo and Juliet is an early tragedy by William Shakespeare about two teenage "star-cross'd lovers" whose "untimely deaths" ultimately unite their feuding households. The play has been highly praised by literary critics for its language and dramatic effect. It was among Shakespeare's most popular plays during his lifetime and, along with Hamlet, is one of his most frequently performed plays. Its influence is still seen today, with the two main characters being widely represented as archetypal young lovers. (Summary from Wikipedia)
5 episodes
« Comment, Viviane, la fille onduleuse aux crins d'or, courtisane galloise experte en félonie, des douze preux d'Arthur ayant été honnie pour sa langue envieuse et ses viles amours, se vengea. » « Ainsi donc tu le veux, couleuvre aux yeux de femme ? Apprends donc la légende. » (Extraits adaptés) How the perfidious Viviane took revenge on Arthur's valiants, who held her in contempt, by seducing Myrdhinn, the sorcerer. So, that is what you want, grass-snake with woman's eyes? Then, learn the legend. (Summary by Ezwa)
1 episodes
Murder and madness, witches and war: Librivox presents a recording of Macbeth, perhaps Shakespeare's best known tragedy. Macbeth, a general in King Duncan's army, is given a prophecy by a trio of witches: he himself will become king. Fired by ambition and goaded by his ruthless wife, he murders Duncan and assumes the throne. More killings follow as Macbeth attempts to retain his crown, until he discovers that prophecies are not always what they seem. (Summary by Laurie Anne Walden)
Cast:
Duncan – Joshua B. Christensen
Malcolm – mb
Donalbain – Ellis Christoff
Macbeth – Mark F. Smith
Banquo – Simon Larois
Macduff – John Lieder
Lennox – Mirza
Ross – Rosalind Wills
Menteith, Son of Macduff, and First Apparition – David Lawrence
Angus, Second Apparition, and Third Murderer – Annoying Twit
Caithness, Lord, Sergeant, and Soldiers – David Nicol
Fleance – Aaron Elliott
Siward – Brian Edwards
Young Siward, Gentlewoman – Laurie Anne Walden
Seyton, Old Man – Paul Williams
Lady Macbeth – Elizabeth Klett
Lady Macduff – LC
Hecate – Ruth Golding
First Witch – Jennifer Stearns
Second Witch – Kristin Hughes
Third Witch – Charlene V. Smith
Doctor – Eric M. Johnson
Servant and Attendant – Anna Simon
Porter – David Leeson
Third Apparition – Fionn Jameson
First Murderer – hefyd
Second Murderer – Anna Roberts
Messenger – Ezwa
Stage Directions – J. M. Smallheer
Audio edited by J. M. Smallheer
6 episodes
John Webster's bloody Jacobean tragedy exposes the decadence of the Italian court. The virtuous Duchess of Malfi, a young widow, secretly marries her steward Antonio, and is subsequently persecuted by her brothers: the sexually obsessed and eventually mad Ferdinand, and the corrupt Cardinal. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett).Characters:
Narrator/Stage Directions & Castruccio -- BellonaTimes
Delio -- Andy Minter
Antonio -- Martin Geeson
Bosola -- David Nicol
Cardinal, 2nd Servant, 2nd Officer, Executioner -- jonesy
Ferdinand -- mb
Silvio -- Lars Rolander
Roderigo -- David Muncaster
Grisolan -- Miriam Esther Goldman
Cariola -- Arielle Lipshaw
Duchess, Cardinal's Servant, 3rd Officer -- Elizabeth Klett
Old Lady -- storm
1st Servant, 1st Officer, Servant -- Daniel Hutton
Julia -- Bereni
4th Officer, 4th Madman, Malatesti -- Mark F. Smith
Pescara -- Kim Stich
1st Pilgrim, 1st Madman -- Lucy Perry
2nd Pilgrim, 2nd Madman-- Barry Eads
2nd Madman, Doctor -- hefyd
6 episodes
William Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, based on true events, concerns the conspiracy against Julius Caesar, his assassination in 44 BC, and its immediate aftermath. Probably written in 1599 and among the first of Shakespeare's plays to be performed at the Globe Theater, Julius Caesar is one of his best-known dramas and has received innumerable performances throughout the centuries. (Summary by Laurie Anne Walden after Wikipedia)Cast:Julius Caesar – Kim StichOctavius Caesar – Glenn SimonsenAntony – Barry EadsLepidus and Cicero – David LawrencePublius, Poet, and Pindarus – Nathan MillerPopilius Lena and First Commoner – AndrewBrutus – Denny SayersCassius – Christopher SannerCasca – mbTrebonius and First Soldier – Mark I. SmithLigarius and Second Soldier – om123Decius Brutus – KalyndaMetellus Cimber and Dardanius – Chris CaronCinna, Young Cato, Second Commoner, Claudius, and Messenger – SonjaFlavius and Clitus – Mark PenfoldMarullus and Messala – Arielle LipshawArtemidorus – AspergineSoothsayer – AvailleCinna the Poet – ElliLucilius – Christian Al-KadiTintinius – Chris SellersVolumnius and Servant – Laurie Anne WaldenVarro and Third Soldier- Lucy PerryStrato – PhilippaLucius – MGVestalCalpurnia – Miriam Esther GoldmanPortia – Abigail BartelsFirst Citizen – Bellona TimesSecond Citizen – Mark PaarThird Citizen – David ColeFourth Citizen – wimberprincessStage directions – Elizabeth Klett
Audio edited by David Lawrence
6 episodes
Uncle Vanya (subtitled “Scenes From Country Life”) is a tragicomedy by Anton Chekhov. It is set on the failing country estate of a retired professor, Serebrakoff, who returns after a long absence with his beautiful young wife, and throws the household into confusion. Rivalry, unrequited love, illicit romance, and attempted suicide are the result, punctuated throughout by Chekhov’s sad, wistful humor. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)Cast:Alexander Serebrakoff: Andy MinterHelena: Karen SavageSonia: Elizabeth KlettMme. Voitskaya: Ruth GoldingIvan (Vanya) Voitski: mbMichael Astroff: Bruce PirieIlia (Waffles) Telegin: BellonaTimesMarina: Arielle LipshawWorkman/Watchman: Miles EspaillatNarrator: AvailleAudio edited by: mb
4 episodes
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. The problem? Richard wants to be king - and he'll stop at nothing to realize his ambition. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)
Cast:
King Edward IV: David Cole
Edward, Prince of Wales: Sandra G
Richard, Duke of York: Tricia G
George, Duke of Clarence: Bob Sherman
Richard, Duke of Gloucester: David Nicol
Son of Clarence: Nadine Eckert-Boulet
Henry, Earl of Richmond; Lord Mayor of London: Mark F. Smith
Cardinal Bourchier; Sir James Blunt: Nullifidian
Archbishop of York; Daughter of Clarence; Page: Availle
Duke of Buckingham: mb
Duke of Norfolk: Bruce Pirie
Earl of Surrey: Lucy Perry
Earl Rivers: Denny Sayers
Marquis of Dorset; Second Citizen: StephenC
Lord Grey: om123
Earl of Oxford; Fourth Messenger: Roger Clifton
Lord Hastings: Peter Bloomfield
Lord Stanley: Andy Minter
Lord Lovel; Sir Walter Herbert: L. Lambert Lawson
Sir Thomas Vaughan; Priest; First Gentleman: David Lawrence
Sir Richard Ratcliff: Filippo Giaochin
Sir William Catesby: Arixa
Sir James Tyrrel; Third Citizen; Ghost of Henry VI: 1evilmofo
Sir Robert Brakenbury: Garrett Fitzgerald
Christopher Urswick: Christopher Caron
Sheriff of Wiltshire; Bishop of Ely; First Murderer: Rismyth
Queen Elizabeth; Scrivener: Elizabeth Klett
Queen Margaret: Ruth Golding
Duchess of York: Karen Savage
Lady Anne: Arielle Lipshaw
Second Murderer; First Citizen; Third Messenger: Sonja
Messenger: Kalynda
Second Messenger: Veronica Jenkins
Pursuivant: Matt Judd
Ghost of Prince Edward: Snaefaxi
Narrator: Diana Majlinger
Audio edited by: Elizabeth Klett
6 episodes
Othello is the story of a cross-cultural romance between the title character, a noble moor who is a general in the Venetian army, and Desdemona, a beautiful and virtuous Venetian lady. The newly-married couple fall prey to the machinations of Iago, Othello's jealous ensign, who plots to destroy their union. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)
Cast:
Duke of Venice: Filippo Gioachin
Brabantio: om123
First Senator: David Lawrence
Second Senator: Lucy Perry
Gratiano: Denny Sayers
Lodovico: Lars Rolander
Othello: Bruce Pirie
Cassio: Mark F. Smith
Iago: mb
Montano: Robert Keiper
Roderigo: Matthew Hill
Clown: rashada
Herald: Celeste Johnston
Desdemona: Availle
Emilia: Elizabeth Klett
Bianca: Nadine Eckert-Boulet
First Gentleman: Sonja
Second Gentleman: Lars Rolander
Third Gentleman: Miriam Esther Goldman
Fourth Gentleman: Adam Baillie
Sailor: Celeste Johnston
First Musician: nathank
First Officer: Elizabeth Klett
Messenger: Adam Baillie
Narrator: Arielle Lipshaw
Audio edited by: Elizabeth Klett
6 episodes
The Cherry Orchard is Russian playwright Anton Chekhov's last play. It premiered at the Moscow Art Theatre 17 January 1904 in a production directed by Constantin Stanislavski. Chekhov intended this play as a comedy and it does contain some elements of farce; however, Stanislavski insisted on directing the play as a tragedy. Since this initial production, directors have had to contend with the dual nature of this play.
The play concerns an aristocratic Russian woman and her family as they return to the family's estate (which includes a large and well-known cherry orchard) just before it is auctioned to pay the mortgage. The story presents themes of cultural futility — both the futility of the aristocracy to maintain its status and the futility of the bourgeoisie to find meaning in its new-found materialism. In reflecting the socio-economic forces at work in Russia at the turn of the 20th century, including the rise of the middle class after the abolition of serfdom in the mid-19th century and the sinking of the aristocracy, the play reflects forces at work around the globe in that period.
(Summary from Wikipedia, edited by Elizabeth Klett)Cast:Mme. Ranevsky: Ruth GoldingAnya: Arielle LipshawVarya: Elizabeth KlettGaev: Lars RolanderLopakhin: Andy MinterTrofimov: mbSimeonov-Pischin: Denny SayersCharlotta: Anna SimonEpikhodov: hefydDunyasha: Tricia GFiers: om123Yasha: Kim StichTramp: Musicalheart1Narrator: David LawrenceAudio edited by: Elizabeth Klett
5 episodes
Creditors is a tragicomedy by August Strindberg that plumbs the depths of the twisted triangular relationship between Tekla, her husband Adolph, and her ex-husband Gustav. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)Cast:Tekla: Elizabeth KlettAdolph: mbGustav: Bruce PirieNarrator: Diana MajlingerAudio edited by: Elizabeth Klett
2 episodes
Henrik Ibsen's 1894 play Little Eyolf tells the story of the Allmers family: the father, Alfred, his wife Rita, their crippled nine-year-old son Eyolf, and Alfred's sister Asta. As the play begins, Alfred has just gotten back from a trip to the mountains, and resolves to spend more time with his son, rather than on intellectual pursuits. Asta is romantically pursued by Borgheim, an engineer, while the cracks in Alfred and Rita's marriage gradually reveal themselves. The family receives a visit from the Rat-Wife, and are never the same again. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)Cast:Alfred Allmers: Bruce PirieRita Allmers: Elizabeth KlettEyolf: Katie RileyAsta Allmers: Arielle LipshawEngineer Borgheim: mbThe Rat-Wife: Ruth GoldingNarrator: Nadine Eckert-BouletAudio edited by: Elizabeth Klett
3 episodes
Euripides' play follows the fates of the women of Troy after their city has been sacked, their husbands killed, and as their remaining families are about to be taken away as slaves. However, it begins first with the gods Athena and Poseidon discussing ways to punish the Greek armies because they condoned Ajax the Lesser for dragging Cassandra away from Athena's temple. What follows shows how much the Trojan women have suffered as their grief is compounded when the Greeks dole out additional deaths and divide their shares of women. This translation by Gilbert Murray was published in 1915. (Summary by Wikipedia and Elizabeth Klett)
Cast:Poseidon: Martin GeesonPallas Athena: SweetlilbirdyHecuba: Ruth GoldingChorus leader: RansomChorus 2: KelseighChorus 3: Jessamy GloorChorus 4: LeniChorus 5: Michele McNealChorus 6: Elizabeth KlettTalthybius: Don StirnoCassandra: Lucy PerryAndromache: Elizabeth KlettMenelaus: Bellona TimesHelen: Arielle LipshawNarrator: David LawrenceAudio edited by: Elizabeth Klett
2 episodes
The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus, normally known simply as Doctor Faustus, is a play by Christopher Marlowe, based on the Faust story, in which a man sells his soul to the devil for power and knowledge. Doctor Faustus was first published in 1604, eleven years after Marlowe's death and at least twelve years after the first performance of the play. (Summary by Wikipedia)
Cast:Chorus: Martin GeesonGood Angel: AvailleEvil Angel/Cardinal/Third Scholar: Denny SayersDoctor Faustus/Vintner/First Friar/Covetousness/Gluttony: Algy PugMephistophilis/Knight/First Scholar/Envy/Narrator: Elizabeth KlettLucifer: CalmDragonWagner: Arielle LipshawValdes/Clown/Third Friar: Nadine Eckert-BouletCornelius: RainerThe Pope: John SteigerwaldEmperor: Sean RandallHorse-courser: Frank BookerRobin: Jason MillsRalph/Second Scholar/Wrath: Sandra GSecond Friar/Old Man: David LawrenceFourth Friar/Duke of Vanholt: Lars RolanderDuchess of Vanholt: Musicalheart1Pride: Mary-Beth BlackburnSloth: Diana MajlingerLechery: Lucy PerryAudio edited by: Elizabeth Klett
5 episodes
This is the second installment in Sophocles's Theban Plays that chronicles the tragic fates of Oedipus and his family. After fulfilling the prophecy that predicted he would kill his father and marry his mother, Oedipus blinds himself and leaves Thebes, to wander in the wilderness accompanied by his daughters Antigone and Ismene. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)
Cast:
Oedipus: Andy Minter
Antigone: Elizabeth Klett
Ismene: Arielle Lipshaw
Theseus: Mark F. Smith
Creon: Bruce Pirie
Polyneices: David Goldfarb
Stranger: Lucy Perry
Messenger: Martin Geeson
Chorus: Lars Rolander
Narrator: David Lawrence
Audio edited by: Elizabeth Klett
2 episodes
This is the final installment in Sophocles's Theban Plays, following Oedipus Rex and Oedipus at Colonus. Oedipus's daughter Antigone deliberately breaks the laws of Thebes when she buries her brother's body and is sentenced to death. She clashes with Creon, the King of Thebes, over what constitutes justice and morality: the laws of the state or the laws of the individual. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)Cast:Antigone: Elizabeth KlettIsmene: Arielle LipshawCreon: Bruce PirieHaemon: mbEurydice: Lucy PerryTiresias: Martin GeesonGuard: Algy PugChorus, Second Messenger: Lars RolanderMessenger: David GoldfarbNarrator: David LawrenceAudio edited by: Elizabeth Klett
2 episodes
Schiller's tragedy depicts the final days of Mary, Queen of Scots, who has been imprisoned by her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I, because of her potential claim on the English throne. The action of the play revolves around an attempt to rescue Mary from prison and Elizabeth's indecision over whether or not to have her executed. The 1801 translation is by Joseph Mellish, a friend of Schiller's. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)
Cast:
Queen Elizabeth: Elizabeth Klett
Mary Stuart: Arielle Lipshaw
Earl of Leicester: David Goldfarb
Earl of Shrewsbury: Bruce Pirie
Lord Burleigh: Andy Minter
Earl of Kent: Mark F. Smith
Sir William Davison / Officer / Melvil: Algy Pug
Sir Amias Paulet: Martin Geeson
Sir Edward Mortimer: mb
Count L'Aubespine: om123
O'Kelly / Burgoyne: Dale Burgess
Count Bellievre: Matthew Reece
Hannah Kennedy: Availle
Margaret Curl: lavahna
Page: Philippa
First Woman: Lucy Perry
Narrator: Roseanne Schmidt
Audio edited by: Elizabeth Klett
5 episodes
Die Büchse der Pandora ist eine Tragödie in drei Aufzügen von Frank Wedekind. Sie ist die Fortsetzung von Wedekinds Tragödie Erdgeist. Beide Stücke wurden von Wedekind später als Bühnenfassung in einem Stück mit dem Titel Lulu. Tragödie in 5 Aufzügen mit einem Prolog zusammengefasst. (Zusammenfassung von Wikipedia)
Die Rollen:
Prolog:
Der normale Leser: Algy Pug
Der rührige Verleger: Marty Kris
Der verschämte Autor: Seepferdchen
Der hohe Staatsanwalt: Herman Roskams
Lulu: P. J. Morgan
Alwa Schön: Patrick Wallace
Rodrigo Quast: Wupperhippo
Schigolch: Rapunzelina
Alfred Hugenberg: Birgit
Die Gräfin Geschwitz: Ramona Deininger-Schnabel
Graf Casti-Piani: Nadine Eckert-Boulet
Bankier Puntschu: Herman Roskams
Journalist Heilmann: Seepferdchen
Madelaine de Marelle: Ezwa
Kadéga di Santa Croce, ihre Tochter: Libby Gohn
Bianetta Gazil: Sandra G
Ludmilla Steinherz: Margaret Espaillat
Bob, Liftjunge: Julia Niedermaier
Ein Polizeikommissär: Herman Roskams
Kungu Poti: John Fricker
Dr. Hilti: Marty Kris
Jack: alanmapstone
Audioschnitt: mahne und rapunzelina
4 episodes
Erdgeist ist eine 1895 publizierte Tragödie in vier Aufzügen von Frank Wedekind. Uraufgeführt wurde sie am 25. Februar 1898 im Leipziger Krystallpalast vom neu gegründeten Ibsen-Theater, wobei der Autor den „Dr. Schön“ verkörperte. Die Fortsetzung von Erdgeist bildet Wedekinds Tragödie Die Büchse der Pandora von 1902. Beide Stücke wurden von Wedekind später als Bühnenfassung in einem Stück mit dem Titel Lulu. Tragödie in 5 Aufzügen mit einem Prolog zusammengefasst. (Zusammenfassung von Wikipedia)
Die Rollen:
Dr. Goll: Herman Roskams
Dr. Schön: Lars Rolander
Alwa: Patrick Wallace
Schwarz: Marty Kris
Prinz Escerny, Tierbändiger: Ramona Deininger-Schnabel
Schigolch: Algy Pug
Rodrigo: Wupperhippo
Hugenberg: Birgit
Escherich: Ernst Pattynama
Lulu: Susanna
Gräfin Geschwitz: Caroline Sophie
Ferdinand: Julia Niedermaier
Henriette: Nadine Eckert-Boulet
Erzähler (Prolog): Rapunzelina
Erzähler (Aufzüge): Kalynda
Audioschnitt: Rapunzelina
5 episodes
The tragedy is based on the mythological story of King Pentheus of Thebes and his mother Agavë, and their punishment by the god Dionysus (who is Pentheus' cousin) for refusing to worship him. (Summary by Wikipedia)Cast:Dionysus: mbCadmus: Bruce PiriePentheus: Algy PugAgave: Roseanne SchmidtTeiresias: Matthew ReeceSoldier: John FrickerMessenger: Dale BurgessChorus/Narrator: Elizabeth KlettAudio edited by: Elizabeth Klett
2 episodes
Sophocles' play dramatizes the aftermath of Agamemnon's murder by his wife Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus. His daughter Electra is hungry for revenge and longs for the return of her brother Orestes to help her achieve her ends. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)Cast:Old Man: Algy PugOrestes: David GoldfarbElectra: Elizabeth KlettChorus: Lauren McCulloughChrysothemis: Roseanne SchmidtClytemnestra: PhilippaAegisthus: Matthew ReeceNarrator: Elizabeth KlettAudio edited by: Elizabeth Klett
2 episodes
Henrik Ibsen's Ghosts was first published in 1881 and staged in 1882, and like his earlier play A Doll's House, profoundly shocked his contemporaries. Dubbed "a dirty deed done in public" by one of its critics, the play focuses on (among other things) venereal disease, euthanasia, and incest. The original title literally means "the ones who return," and the play is about how we can deal with the awful legacy of the past. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)
Cast:Mrs. Alving: Elizabeth KlettOswald Alving: mbPastor Manders: Bruce PirieJacob Engstrand: Algy PugRegina Engstrand: AvailleNarrator: J. M. SmallheerAudio edited by: mb
3 episodes
Titus Andronicus may be Shakespeare's earliest tragedy; it is believed to have been written in the early 1590s. It depicts a Roman general who is engaged in a cycle of revenge with his enemy Tamora, the Queen of the Goths. The play is by far Shakespeare's bloodiest work. It lost popularity during the Victorian era because of its gore, and it has only recently seen its fortunes revive. (Summary by Wikipedia)Cast:Aaron: David GoldfarbAemilius: Algy PugBassianus: John KoozCaptain: David LawrenceChiron: StrawhengeClown: sprideDemetrius: Arielle LipshawFirst Goth: Arielle LipshawLavinia: Elizabeth BarrLucius: John FrickerMarcus Andronicus: Matthew ReeceMartius: Algy PugMessenger: Elizabeth KlettMutius: Ric FNurse: rashadaPublius: David LawrenceQuintus: Amy GramourSaturninus: om123Second Goth: Arielle LipshawTamora: Elizabeth KlettThird Goth: Ric FTitus Andronicus: Michael IrskensTribunes: Elizabeth KlettYoung Lucius: Arielle LipshawNarrator: Lauren McCulloughAudio edited by: Arielle Lipshaw
6 episodes
Tamburlaine the Great is the name of a play in two parts by Christopher Marlowe. It is loosely based on the life of the Central Asian emperor, Timur 'the lame'. Written in 1587 or 1588, the play is a milestone in Elizabethan public drama; it marks a turning away from the clumsy language and loose plotting of the earlier Tudor dramatists, and a new interest in fresh and vivid language, memorable action, and intellectual complexity. Along with Thomas Kyd's The Spanish Tragedy, it may be considered the first popular success of London's public stage.Marlowe, generally considered the greatest of the University Wits, influenced playwrights well into the Jacobean period, and echoes of Tamburlaine's bombast and ambition can be found in English plays all the way to the Puritan closing of the theaters in 1642. While Tamburlaine is considered inferior to the great tragedies of the late-Elizabethan and early-Jacobean period, its significance in creating a stock of themes and, especially, in demonstrating the potential of blank verse in drama, are still acknowledged. (Summary by Wikipedia)CASTPrologue, Dramatis Personae, GOVERNOR OF DAMASCUS: Martin GeesonMYCETES, king of Persia; MAGNETES, Median lord; CAPOLIN, an Egyptian; A BASSO; ATTENDANT: Algy PugCOSROE, his brother: Bruce PirieMEANDER, Persian lord: David RichardsonTHERIDAMAS, Persian lord: Timothy FergusonORTYGIUS, Persian lord: sparks0314CENEUS, Persian lord: DerekPMENAPHON, Persian lord: AlanTAMBURLAINE, a Scythian shepherd: David GoldfarbTECHELLES, follower of Tamburlaine: ReadalotUSUMCASANE, follower of Tamburlaine: Nigel BoydellBAJAZETH, emperor of the Turks: bishKING OF FEZ; KING OF MOROCCO; SOLDAN OF EGYPT; AGYDAS, Median lord: Marty KrisKING OF ARGIER: JafbadoKING OF ARABIA: Robert ScheidPHILEMUS, a spy: Sarah CramptonZENOCRATE, daughter to the Soldan of Egypt: Sandra GANIPPE, her maid: AvailleZABINA, wife to BAJAZETH: Amy GramourEBEA, her maid: ChyAnne DonnellFIRST VIRGIN, VIRGINS: Elizabeth KlettSECOND VIRGIN, VIRGINS: Arielle LipshawNarrator: Tina Nuzzi
6 episodes
Tamburlaine the Great is the name of a play in two parts by Christopher Marlowe. It is loosely based on the life of the Central Asian emperor, Timur 'the lame'. Written in 1587 or 1588, the play is a milestone in Elizabethan public drama; it marks a turning away from the clumsy language and loose plotting of the earlier Tudor dramatists, and a new interest in fresh and vivid language, memorable action, and intellectual complexity. Along with Thomas Kyd's The Spanish Tragedy, it may be considered the first popular success of London's public stage.
In Part 2, Tamburlaine grooms his sons to be conquerors in his wake as he continues to conquer his neighbouring kingdoms. One of his sons, Calyphas, preferring to stay by his mother's side and not risk death, incurs Tamburlaine's wrath. Seeing this son as a coward, Tamburlaine kills him in anger after a battle in which he refuses to fight. During this time, Bajazeth's son, Callapine, plans to avenge his father's death. Finally, while attacking an Islamic nation, he scornfully burns a copy of the Qur'an and claims to be greater than God. Suddenly, Tamburlaine is struck ill and dies, giving his power to his remaining sons, but still aspiring to greatness as he departs life. (Summary by Wikipedia)Click here for Tamburlaine the Great, Part 1Cast
Narrator; Concubine 3: Tina NuzziPrologue; DP; GOVERNOR OF DAMASCUS; GOVERNOR OF BABYLON: Martin GeesonTAMBURLAINE, king of Persia: David GoldfarbCALYPHAS, son of Tamburlaine: Sarah CramptonAMYRAS, son of Tamburlaine: Liberty StumpCELEBINUS, son of Tamburlaine: Tina NuzziTHERIDAMAS, king of Argier: Timothy FergusonTECHELLES, king of Fez: ReadalotUSUMCASANE, king of Morocco: Paul AndrewsORCANES, king of Natolia: Frank BookerKING OF TREBIZON; URIBASSA: Robert ScheidKING OF SORIA; KING OF AMASIA; GAZELLUS, viceroy of Byron; MAXIMUS; PIONERS; PERDICAS; First Physician; Soldiers: Algy PugKING OF JERUSALEM; SIGISMUND, King of Hungary: Dale BurgessFREDERICK, Lord of Buda and Bohemia; CAPTAIN: Marty KrisBALDWIN, Lord of Buda and Bohemia; ALMEDA, his keeper: bishCALLAPINE, son to BAJAZETH, and prisoner to TAMBURLAINE: Amy GramourCAPTAIN’S SON; Concubine 2: Arielle LipshawMessenger; Citizen: AilinaSecond Citizen: Beth ThomasZENOCRATE, wife to TAMBURLAINE: Sandra GOLYMPIA, wife to the CAPTAIN: deboleeConcubine 1: Elizabeth Klett
Audio edited by: Algy Pug
5 episodes
Beaumont and Fletcher's The Maid's Tragedy (first published 1619) is a sensational Jacobean sex tragedy. When gentleman soldier Melantius returns to Rhodes, he finds his dear friend Amintor is recently married - but not to his troth-plight love Aspatia (the maid of the title). Instead, the King has arranged a match between Amintor and Melantius' sister, the beautiful Evadne. On his wedding night, Amintor finds that his new wife has married him under false pretenses - and this unleashes a torrent of dire consequences, sexual, emotional, and ultimately political. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)Cast:Cleon: David NicolStrato: Algy PugLysippus: mbDiphilus/Messenger/First Gentleman: Marty KrisMelantius: David GoldfarbAspatia: Arielle LipshawAmintor: Peter BishopCalianax: Andy MinterKing: Bruce PirieEvadne/Diagoras/Narrator: Elizabeth KlettNight/Antiphila: AvailleCynthia/Olympias: SkylarkNeptune: Bob GonzalezEolus/Servant: Barry EadsDula: Beth ThomasLady: Bev J. StevensAudio edited by Elizabeth Klett
5 episodes
Shakespeare was passionately interested in the history of Rome, as is evident from plays like Titus Andronicus, Julius Caesar, and Antony and Cleopatra. His tragedy Coriolanus was probably written around 1605-07, and dramatizes the rise and fall of a great Roman general, Caius Martius (later surnamed Coriolanus because of his military victory at Corioli). This play is unusual in that it provides a strong voice for the ordinary citizens of Rome, who begin the play rioting about the high price of food, and who continually clash with Coriolanus because of his contempt for plebians. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)CastCaius Martius Coriolanus: thebicyclethiefCitizen: Patti CunninghamFirst Citizen/Second Officer/Second Patrician: Chuck WilliamsonCominius: Bob GonzalezFifth Citizen: AvailleFirst Conspirator/First Officer/Lieutenant/Second Senator/Second Servingman: ToddFirst Lord/Sixth Citizen: Tricia GFirst Senator: DublinGothicFirst Servingman: Leonard WilsonFirst Soldier/Herald: John FrickerGentlewoman/Second Soldier/Third Lord/Young Coriolanus: Martin GeesonJunius Brutus: Ron AltmanMenenius Agrippa: Algy PugRoman/Second Conspirator/Seventh Citizen: KristingjSecond Citizen: Peter MakusSecond Lord: Chuck DonovanSicinius Velutus: Ric FThird Citizen: Joshua LetchfordThird Conspirator: Heather PhillipsThird Roman: Lucy PerryTitus Lartius/Aedile: Delmar H. DolbierTullus Aufidius: Arielle LipshawValeria: Tiffany Halla ColonnaVirgilia: Amy L. GramourVolsce: Max KorlingeVolumnia: Elizabeth KlettNarrator: Diana MajlingerOther roles (crowd voices, etc) read by members of the company.Audio edited by Elizabeth Klett
6 episodes
Beyond the Horizon is a 1920 play written by American playwright Eugene O'Neill. It was O'Neill's first full-length work, and the winner of the 1920 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The play focuses on the portrait of a family, and particularly two brothers Andrew and Robert. In the first act of the play, Robert is about to go off to sea with their uncle Dick, a sea captain while Andrew looks forward to marrying his sweetheart Ruth and working on the family farm as he starts a family. (Summary by Wikipedia)CastJames Mayo: Delmar H. DolbierKate Mayo: Amy L. GramourCaptain Dick Scott: Algy PugAndrew Mayo: David GoldfarbRobert Mayo: mbRuth Atkins: Elizabeth KlettMrs. Atkins: Arielle LipshawMary: Diana MajlingerDoctor Fawcett: Barry EadsNarrator/Ben: ToddAudio edited by Elizabeth Klett
3 episodes
The Spanish Tragedy, or Hieronimo is Mad Again is an Elizabethan tragedy written by Thomas Kyd between 1582 and 1592. Highly popular and influential in its time, The Spanish Tragedy established a new genre in English theatre, the revenge play or revenge tragedy. Its plot contains several violent murders and includes as one of its characters a personification of Revenge. The Spanish Tragedy was often referred to (or parodied) in works written by other Elizabethan playwrights, including William Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, and Christopher Marlowe.Many elements of The Spanish Tragedy, such as the play-within-a-play used to trap a murderer and a ghost intent on vengeance, appear in Shakespeare's Hamlet. (Thomas Kyd is frequently proposed as the author of the hypothetical Ur-Hamlet that may have been one of Shakespeare's primary sources for Hamlet.) (Summary by Wikipedia)
Cast:
Ghost of Andrea, a Spanish nobleman; Hangman: MARTIN GEESON
Revenge: Availle
KING OF SPAIN: Lars Rolander
CYPRIAN DUKE OF CASTILE, his brother; ALEXANDRO, Portuguese Nobleman; BAZARDO, a Painter; Watchman 1; Citizen 1: Algy Pug
LORENZO, the Duke's son: DublinGothic
BELLIMPERIA, Lorenzo's sister; Isabella's Maid: JustineWalmsley
VICEROY OF PORTUGAL: Jason Mills Nigel Boydell
BALTHAZAR, his son: Jeff Schwab
HIERONIMO, Marshal of Spain: Amy Gramour
ISABELLA, his wife; Boy: Bev J. Stevens
HORATIO, their son: Max Körlinge
Spanish General; Deputy; Don Bazulto; Watchman 2; Citizen 2: Marty Kris
Portuguese Ambassador: Lucy Perry
VlLLUPPO, Portuguese Nobleman; Don Pedro; JACQUES, Hieronimo's servant; Watchman 3; Citizen 3: ToddHW
PEDRINGANO, Bellimperia's servant: Liberty Stump
CHRISTOPHIL, Bellimperia's custodian; Messenger: Carol Box
Lorenzo's Page: ChyAnne Donnell
SERBERINE, Balthazar's servant; Servant: Kristin Gjerløw
PEDRO, Hieronimo's servant: Peter Makus
Nobleman 1; Portingal 1: Ernst Pattynama
Nobleman 2; Portingal 2: JohnFricker
Narrator: Elizabeth Klett
5 episodes
John Webster's The White Devil (1612) is a Jacobean revenge tragedy, replete with adultery, murder, ghosts, and violence. The Duke of Brachiano and Vittoria Corombona decide to kill their spouses, Isabella and Camillo, in order to be together, aided by the crafty and ambitious Flamineo, Vittoria's brother. Their actions prompt vows of revenge from Isabella's brother Francisco, the Duke of Florence, and Count Lodovico, who was secretly in love with her. The title refers to the early modern proverb that "the white devil is worse than the black," indicating the hypocrisy practiced by many of the characters in the play. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)CastLodovico: Martin GeesonAntonelli/Conjurer: Timothy FergusonGasparo: Max KorlingeBrachiano: mbVittoria Corombona: Elizabeth KlettFlamineo: David NicolCamillo: Lars RolanderCornelia: Carol BoxZanche: Lucy PerryFrancisco De Medici: Bruce PirieIsabella: AvailleGiovanni: Arielle LipshawMarcello: Marty KrisMonticelso: Ron AltmanDoctor/English Ambassador: Algy PugLawyer: Leonard WilsonFrench Ambassador/Hortensio: ToddServant/Page: KristingjMatron/Woman: Bev J. StevensNarrator: David LawrenceAudio edited by Elizabeth Klett
5 episodes
The Wild Duck (1884) (original Norwegian title: Vildanden) is by many considered Ibsen's finest work, and it is certainly the most complex. It tells the story of Gregers Werle, a young man who returns to his hometown after an extended exile and is reunited with his boyhood friend Hjalmar Ekdal. Over the course of the play, the many secrets that lie behind the Ekdals' apparently happy home are revealed to Gregers, who insists on pursuing the absolute truth, or the "Summons of the Ideal". Among these truths: Gregers' father impregnated his servant Gina, then married her off to Hjalmar to legitimize the child. Another man has been disgraced and imprisoned for a crime the elder Werle committed. Furthermore, while Hjalmar spends his days working on a wholly imaginary "invention", his wife is earning the household income.Ibsen displays masterful use of irony: despite his dogmatic insistence on truth, Gregers never says what he thinks but only insinuates, and is never understood until the play reaches its climax. Gregers hammers away at Hjalmar through innuendo and coded phrases until he realizes the truth; Gina's daughter, Hedvig, is not his child. Blinded by Gregers' insistence on absolute truth, he disavows the child. Seeing the damage he has wrought, Gregers determines to repair things, and suggests to Hedvig that she sacrifice the wild duck, her wounded pet, to prove her love for Hjalmar. Hedvig, alone among the characters, recognizes that Gregers always speaks in code, and looking for the deeper meaning in the first important statement Gregers makes which does not contain one, kills herself rather than the duck in order to prove her love for him in the ultimate act of self-sacrifice. Only too late do Hjalmar and Gregers realize that the absolute truth of the "ideal" is sometimes too much for the human heart to bear. (Summary by Wikipedia)Cast Narrator: KristingjWERLE, a merchant, manufacturer, etc.: Algy PugGREGERS WERLE, his son: David GoldfarbOLD EKDAL: LewisHIALMAR EKDAL, his son, a photographer: Marty KrisGINA EKDAL, Hjalmar's wife: Helen FalconerHEDVIG, their daughter, a girl of fourteen: ChyAnne DonnellMRS. SORBY, Werle's housekeeper: Carol BoxRELLING, a doctor & A SHORT-SIGHTED GENTLEMAN: Lars RolanderMOLVIK, student of theology & ANOTHER WAITER: David LawrenceGRABERG, Werle's bookkeeper: AvaillePETTERSEN, Werle's servant: DublinGothicJENSEN, a hired waiter: Max KörlingeA FLABBY GENTLEMAN: Leonard WilsonA THIN-HAIRED GENTLEMAN: Martin GeesonAudio edited by: Algy Pug
5 episodes
A Family-drama in three acts. Like many of Ibsen's better-known plays, Ghosts is a scathing commentary on 19th century morality. (Summary by Kristingj)Cast:Mrs. Helen Alving, widow of Captain Alving: Rhonda FedermanOswald Alving, her son, a painter: Chris MarcellusPastor Manders: Algy PugJacob Engstrand, a carpenter: John TrevithickRegine Engstrand, Mrs. Alving's maid: KristingjNarrator: Amanda Friday
4 episodes
The Tragedy of King Lear is a tragedy by William Shakespeare. The title character descends into madness after foolishly disposing of his estate between two of his three daughters based on their flattery, bringing tragic consequences for all. The play is based on the legend of Leir of Britain, a mythological pre-Roman Celtic king. It has been widely adapted for the stage and motion pictures, and the role of Lear has been coveted and played by many of the world's most accomplished actors. The play was written between 1603 and 1606 and later revised. Shakespeare's earlier version, The True Chronicle of the History of the Life and Death of King Lear and His Three Daughters, was published in quarto in 1608. The Tragedy of King Lear, a more theatrical version, was included in the 1623 First Folio. Modern editors usually conflate the two, though some insist that each version has its individual integrity that should be preserved. After the Restoration, the play was often revised with a happy ending for audiences who disliked its dark and depressing tone, but since the 19th century Shakespeare's original version has been regarded as one of his supreme achievements. The tragedy is particularly noted for its probing observations on the nature of human suffering and kinship. George Bernard Shaw wrote, "No man will ever write a better tragedy than Lear". (Summary by Wikipedia)CastKing Lear: Bob GonzalezEdmund/King of France/Second Servant: Elizabeth KlettDuke of Burgundy/Messenger: VikingJamesDuke of Cornwall: David GoldfarbDuke of Albany: Noel BadrianEarl of Kent: Arielle LipshawEarl of Gloucester: Martin GeesonEdgar: DublinGothicCuran/Third Servant/Captain: Nathaniel W.C. HigginsKnight/Old Man/Physician: Algy PugFool/Herald: Amy L. GramourOswald: KristingjFirst Servant/Officer: Tiffany Halla ColonnaGentleman: Dan RaynhamGoneril: Bev J. StevensRegan: Liberty StumpCordelia: Miss AvariceNarrator: Denny SayersAudio edited by Elizabeth Klett
5 episodes
Thomas Middleton's masterful 17th century tragedy is packed with adultery, incest, intrigue, revenge, and inventive methods for murder. Leantio elopes with Bianca against her family's wishes and tries to hide her in the house he shares with his widowed mother. Yet the Duke sees Bianca at the window and is powerfully attracted to her, threatening Leantio's security. Livia, a wealthy widow, delights in intrigue, aiding the Duke to satisfy his desires with Bianca, and bringing together her brother Hippolito with her niece Isabella, despite their familial relationship. Yet even Livia is not immune to love. The final play-within-a-play in Act 5, one of the goriest and most sensational conclusions to a Jacobean tragedy, is also (like the play as a whole) laced with dark humor. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)CastMother: KristingjLeantio: David NicolBianca: Arielle LipshawGuardiano: Noel BadrianFabritio: Martin GeesonLivia: Elizabeth KlettHippolito: Alan MapstoneIsabella: Amanda FridayThe Ward: Nathaniel W. C. HigginsSordido: mbFirst Boy/First Lady/Hebe: April GonzalesSecond Boy/Second Lady/Narrator: Elizabeth KlettThird Boy/Gentleman/Page/Lord: Robert HoffmanCitizen/Servant/Hymen: Chuck WilliamsonApprentice/Messenger/Ganymede: AvailleDuke: Algy PugLord Cardinal: Chuck WilliamsonAudio edited by Elizabeth Klett
5 episodes
A small play in three acts. A kind of comic tragedy. The plot tells the story of the interaction between two very different families in rural England just after the end of the First World War. Squire Hillcrist lives in the manor house where his family has lived for generations. He has a daughter, Jill, who is in her late teens; and a wife, Amy, as well as servants and retainers. He is "old money", although his finances are at a bit of low ebb. The other family is the "nouveau riche" Hornblowers, headed by the single-minded and rich industrialist Hornblower, who throws old retainers the Jackmans out of their home (much to the Squire's disgust), and who plans to surround the Hillcrist's rural estate with factories. (Summary by catrose and Wikipedia) Cast:Hillcrist: AnthonyAmy, or Mrs H.: Amanda FridayJill: April GonzalesDawker: Charlotte DuckettHornblower: Delmar H. DolbierCharles: Chuck WilliamsonChloe: CaprishaPageRolf: Chris MarcellusFellows: Aidan BrackAnna; Auctioneer: MJ FranckMr. Jackman: TriciaGMrs. Jackman: Jeannie TiradoFirst Stranger: KristingjSecond Stranger: Elizabeth KlettNarrator: SallyMcEditors: Charlotte Duckett & CaprishaPage
3 episodes
The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark is a tragedy by William Shakespeare. Set in the Kingdom of Denmark, the play dramatizes the revenge Prince Hamlet exacts on his uncle Claudius for murdering King Hamlet, Claudius's brother and Prince Hamlet's father, and then succeeding to the throne and taking as his wife Gertrude, the old king's widow and Prince Hamlet's mother. The play vividly portrays both true and feigned madness – from overwhelming grief to seething rage – and explores themes of treachery, revenge, incest, and moral corruption. (Summary by Wikipedia)Cast:Bernardo: Ernst PattynamaFrancisco, Cornelius, Gentleman, Danes, Osric: Martin GeesonHoratio: Robert HoffmanMarcellus: KristingjClaudius, Second Clown: Elizabeth KlettVoltimand: David LawrenceLaertes: Nathanial W.C. HigginsPolonius, Fortinbras, Servant, Danes: Algy PugHamlet: Arielle LipshawGertrude: Amy GramourOphelia: Miss AvariceGhost, First Player, Player King: Bob GonzalezReynaldo: April GonzalesRosencrantz: GraceGuildenstern: Chuck WilliamsonPlayer Queen: CaprishaPagePrologue, Lucianus: Emily FeukaCaptain, Danes, First Priest: WupperhippoFirst Sailor, Danes: Ric FMessenger: Anna SimonFirst Clown, First Ambassador: Alan MapstoneLord: Aidan BrackNarrator: Cynthia MoyerAudio edited by Arielle Lipshaw
5 episodes
Eurpides' tragedy tells of Theseus' chaste son Hippolytus, who refuses to worship Aphrodite in favor of Artemis. Aphrodite gets revenge by causing Hippolytus' stepmother Phaedra to fall in love with him, unleashing a chain of tragic events. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)CastAphrodite: Caprisha PageTheseus: Bruce PiriePhaedra: Elizabeth KlettHippolytus: mbNurse: April GonzalesHenchman: Bob GonzalezArtemis: Arielle LipshawChorus leader: Naomi ParkChorus 1: Amanda FridayChorus 2: Elizabeth KlettChorus 3: Amy GramourOld Huntsman: Delmar H. DolbierNarrator: LeniAudio edited by Elizabeth Klett
2 episodes
Nicolai (anglicised Nicholas in this translation) Ivanov, a middle-aged public servant, is unhappy. His wife Anna, disinherited by her family after converting from Judaism, is dying of tuberculosis. He is deeply in debt. And his best friend’s daughter is infatuated with him. Comedy and tragedy ensue in truly Chekhovian fashion. An example of the young Chekhov’s maturing style, Ivanov is an early harbinger of themes that would recur throughout his work. (Summary by mb)CastNicholas Ivanov: mbAnna: Elizabeth KlettMatthew Shabelski: Algy PugPaul Lebediev: Cliff ThompsonZinaida: Grace GarrettSasha: Arielle LipshawLvov: AvailleMartha Babakina: Julia NiedermaierKosich: KristingjMichael Borkin: Bruce PirieAvdotia Nazarovna: Caprisha PageGeorge: Charlotte DuckettFirst Guest: Miss AvariceSecond Guest: Libby GohnThird Guest: Aidan BrackNarrator: Ernst PattynamaAudio edited by mb and Elizabeth Klett
4 episodes
The Changeling is a sensational 1622 tragicomedy by Thomas Middleton and William Rowley that comprises two intertwining plots. The first involves Beatrice-Joanna, daughter of the governor of Alicante, and her unruly passion for Alsemero, despite the fact that she is engaged to Alonzo de Piracquo. She enlists the aid of her father's servant De Flores to kill Alonzo so that she can marry Alsemero. However, she does not anticipate that De Flores, who is in love with her, will demand payment for the deed. The second plot is set in a madhouse, where the jealous old doctor Alibius is keeping his beautiful young wife Isabella confined so that she will not be unfaithful to him. Despite his best efforts, she is assailed by illicit suitors on all sides: Franciscus, who disguises himself as a madman, Antonio, who disguises himself as a fool, and Lollio, his lustful servant. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)CastAlsemero: mbJasperino: Charlotte DuckettFirst Servant/Servant/First Madman: AvaillePedro/Franciscus/Vermandero: Alan MapstoneBeatrice-Joanna/Lollio: Elizabeth KlettDeFlores: David NicolDiaphanta: Meredith ClementAlibius: Algy PugAlonzo de Piracquo: Chuck WilliamsonAntonio: Kevin JohnsonIsabella: Caprisha PageTomazo de Piracquo: ToddNarrator: Arielle LipshawAudio edited by Elizabeth Klett
5 episodes
Christopher Marlowe's Elizabethan tragedy focuses on the downfall of King Edward II, whose love for his favorite courtier, Piers Gaveston, leads to rebellion. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)CastGaveston: Chuck WilliamsonKing Edward II: Martin GeesonLancaster/Berkeley: ToddMortimer Senior/Monks/Matrevis: Ric FMortimer Junior: mbEarl of Kent: Arielle LipshawEarl of Warwick/Sir John of Hainault/Lightborn: Alan MapstoneBishops of Coventry, Winchester, and Canterbury/Spencer Senior: Algy PugQueen Isabella/Narrator: Elizabeth KlettPembroke/Mower/Gurney: Thomas CardwellPrince Edward: Charlotte DuckettSpencer Junior: Robin KingBaldock: om123Leicester: Joseph AbellFirst Poor Man/Earl of Arundel/First Lord: balaThird Poor Man/Rice Ap Howell/Trussel/Second Lord: Amanda FridayKing's Niece: Libby GohnMessenger/Herald: Caprisha PageAudio edited by Elizabeth Klett
5 episodes
Two households, both alike in dignity,In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.From forth the fatal loins of these two foesA pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life;Whose misadventured piteous overthrowsDo with their death bury their parents' strife.(Summary from the Prologue)Cast:Narrator: Laurie Anne WaldenRomeo: mbJuliet: Beth ThomasNurse: Arielle LipshawFriar Laurence: Denny SayersMercutio: Eden Rea-HedrickTybalt: GraceBenvolio: MarcyTLady Capulet: Elizabeth KlettCapulet: John TrevithickMontague: alanmapstoneParis: Libby GohnPrince: Algy PugAdditional voices: April Gonzales, Ethan Hardman, J.J. Wazman, James Silverstein, Kimberly Krause, Loveday, Lyn Silva, Sally Mc, ToddHW, and WupperhippoEdited by Kimberly Krause and Esther ben Simonides
5 episodes
Alcestis is the earliest surviving play by Euripides. Alcestis, the devoted wife of King Admetus, has agreed to die in his place, and at the beginning of the play she is close to death. In the first scene, Apollo argues with Thanatos (Death), asking to prolong Alcestis' life, but Thanatos refuses. Apollo leaves, but suggests that a man will come to Pherae who will save Alcestis. Euripides' play is perhaps the most unusual Greek drama ever written: a tragedy that is not a tragedy. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)CastAdmetus: ToddAlcestis/Chorus: Elizabeth KlettPheres: Bruce PirieLittle Boy: Lyn SilvaManservant: balaHandmaid: Arielle LipshawHeracles: mbApollo: Libby GohnThanatos: engineerdstChorus Leader: Caprisha PageNarrator: David LawrenceAudio edited by Elizabeth Klett
2 episodes
When We Dead Awaken (1899) is the last play by Norwegian dramatist Henrik Ibsen. Dreamlike and highly symbolic, the play charts the dissolution of sculptor Arnold Rubek's marriage to Maia, her flirtation with Ulfheim, and his involvement with the mysterious Irene, his former model. The tensions rise between the characters as they climb higher and higher into the Norwegian mountains. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)CastProfessor Arnold Rubek: balaMaia Rubek: Libby GohnThe Inspector: Ernst PattynamaUlfheim: Nicholas AnemaIrene: Elizabeth KlettSister of Mercy: Charlotte DuckettNarrator: Arielle LipshawAudio edited by Elizabeth Klett
3 episodes
A retelling of the classic legend of King Arthur, Guinevere & Sir Lancelot. (Summary by Amanda Friday)CastKing Arthur: Algy PugSir Lancelot: Max KorlingeSir Mordred: Ric FSir Kay: DrakaunusSir Gawaine: Alan MapstoneSir Bedevere: Grace GarrettSir Agravaine: Brett W. DowneySir Percival: Eden Rea-HedrickSir Lavaine: David WarnerSir Dagonet: Peter MakusMerlin: ToddMessenger: Elizabeth KlettGaoler: Jason MillsGuinevere: Amanda FridayElaine: Elizabeth KlettMorgan Le Fay: Libby GohnClarissant: Bethany BaldwinSpirit of the Lake: Charlotte DuckettLake Spirits, Maidens, Knights, and Chorus: Bethany Baldwin, Brett W. Downey, Charlotte Duckett, Amanda Friday, Libby Gohn, Elizabeth Klett, Eden Rea-Hedrick, ToddNarrator: amaskillAudio edited by Libby Gohn
5 episodes
A Bill of Divorcement describes a day in the lives of a middle-aged British woman named Margaret "Meg" Fairfield, her daughter Sydney, Sydney's fiancé Kit Humphreys, Meg's fiancé Gray Meredith, and Meg's husband Hilary, who escapes after spending almost twenty years in a mental hospital. A 1932 film of the same name was directed by George Cukor and starred Katharine Hepburn and John Barrymore. (Summary by Wikipedia & Amanda Friday)CastMargaret Fairfield: Arielle LipshawMiss Hester Fairfield: Elizabeth KlettSydney Fairfield/Narrator: Amanda FridayBassett: Caprisha PageGray Merideth: BellonaTimesKit Pumphrey: Brett DowneyHillary Fairfield: amaskillDr. Alliot: tovarischRev. Christopher Pumphrey: Ric FAudio edited by Elizabeth Klett
3 episodes
The Tragedy of Mariam (1613) is the first original drama written in English by a woman. Elizabeth Cary drew on Jewish histories by Josephus to create a closet drama (written to be read, rather than performed live) about Mariam, the second wife of Herod the Great. At the beginning of the play, Mariam believes that Herod has been killed by Octavius, and struggles with how to respond. On the one hand, she is relieved, as she is angry with Herod for killing her brother and grandfather. On the other, she knows that he loved her, and she feels caught by her sense of duty as his wife. When Herod unexpectedly returns, Mariam must decide what to do. - Summary by Elizabeth KlettCastMariam: Libby GohnAlexandra: Caprisha PageSalome/Babas' Second Son/Nuntio/Narrator: Elizabeth KlettSilleus: balaConstabarus: mbChorus: Alan MapstonePheroras: Algy PugGraphina: AvailleBabas' First Son/Silleus' Man: Julia NiedermaierDoris: Kay HandAnanell/Butler: ToddSohemus: David NicolHerod: Bruce PirieAudio edited by Elizabeth Klett
5 episodes
This is one of the few Greek tragedies that deals with historical events rather than mythological ones. The elders of the Persian court await new of the outcome of the Battle of Salamis, and mourn when they find that their king, Xerxes, has lost to the Greeks. - Summary by Libby Gohn
Cast List
Narrator: Mary J
Chorus of Persian Elders: Elizabeth Klett, Tara Flynn, Sarah Terry
Atossa: Kristin Gjerløw
A Messenger: Libby Gohn
The Ghost of Darius: Peter Tucker
Xerxes: ToddHW
2 episodes
