Antony and Cleopatra: The Be-Niled
In one of the most famously torrid love affairs of all time, defined by extramarital cheating, lavish outfits, histrionics, and the shadow of collapsing empires, this episode\u2019s main characters define obsession and the insanity of passion. No, not Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton! Antony and Cleopatra! Picking up where \u201cJulius Caesar\u201d left off, Shakespeare cranks up the operatic dialogue and battle scenes as Rome tears itself asunder. Will and James discuss why Cleopatra is one of the most fascinating women in Shakespeare, the amazing language throughout the play, and whether their relationship represents puppy love or a clich\xe9d midlife crisis.
Credits
Intro Music: Jon Sayles, "The Witches' Dance" (composed by anonymous)
Outro Music: Jon Sayles, \u201cSaltarello\u201d (composed by anonymous)
Illustrative Excerpts: \u201cCleopatra,\u201d dir. Joseph Mankiewicz (1963); \u201cAntony & Cleopatra,\u201d dir. Iqbal Khan, Royal Shakespeare Company (2017); \u201cAntony & Cleopatra,\u201d dir. Trevor Nunn, Royal Shakespeare Company, (1974); \u201cCasablanca,\u201d dir. Michael Curtiz (1942); \u201cAntony and Cleopatra,\u201d dir. Lawrence Carra (1984); \u201cAntony and Cleopatra,\u201d dirs. Gary Griffin/Barry Avrich, Stratford Festival (2015)