The State of Shakespeare

Jim Devita

May 092013

Henry VI, Part iii Act III, Scene ii
Gloucester
February 5, 2013

Jim Devita2

henry vi, pt 3

Catch a wave! Stay "on top" of Jim Devita's words as he discusses how he learned to avoid generalizing in acting Shakespeare. Jim explores the importance of training (and what Shakespearean actors can learn from Michael Jordan.) We plunge into Richard of Gloucester's speech in Henry VI, Part iii, to discover the secret to playing villains, plumbing emotions (or not) and pursuing metaphors. Join us for a discussion of the most voluble soliloquy in Shakespeare's canon.

Click here to see the text. Click for here for the Jim Devita version.

Click here to see a fully scanned version of the text.

May 9, 2013 Artists, Interview, Podcasts

In Acting Shakespeare & American Players Theater

May 032013

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How did Jim Devita end up going from New York to Wisconsin and then back to New York with a one man show? If you haven't heard of the American Players Theater, you should have. Listen to Jim's journey, about APT's mission and how both look to create authentic Shakespeare productions at a very large outdoor theater in this brief aside from The State of Shakespeare. You may just end up moving to Spring Green, Wisconsin.

May 3, 2013 Asides, Podcasts

Jim Wallert & Ron Russell: Richard III Born With Teeth (Interview Part 2)

Apr 252013

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Richard III Act I, Scene i
Gloucester
April 2, 2013

What is Shakespeare's idea of tragedy? Is an audience seduced by Richard? What happens to the soul of ambition after the final prize has been won? Is there any sympathy left for this devil? The answers and much more, including a fantastic reading of the opening speech, can be found in Part II of our interview about Richard III with Ron Russell and Jim Wallert of the Epic Theatre Ensemble. Their production of Richard III: Born With Teeth runs through May 4th. For details click here.

Click here to see the text. Click for here for the Epic Theater version.

Click here to see a fully scanned version of the text.

April 25, 2013 Artists, Interview, Podcasts

The Epic Theatre Ensemble: Richard III (Interview Part I)

Apr 162013

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Richard III Act I, Scene i
Gloucester
April 2, 2013

Born with Teeth! Can a company that rose from the ashes of 9/11 make a difference? The answer is a resounding "Yes!" The Epic Theater Ensemble has created a fantastic model of socially responsible, education- oriented theater. Executive Director Ron Russell and Associate Artistic Director Jim Wallert talk about the company's mission of outreach, developing new audiences and the "why" of engagement. We discuss the dialogue they create with their audience, the use of emerging technology and, of course, the upcoming production of Richard III: Born With Teeth. It's not your grandmother's musty dusty Shakespeare!

Click here to see the text. Click for here for the Epic Theater version.

Click here to see a fully scanned version of the text.

April 16, 2013 Artists, Interview, Podcasts

Jeffrey C. Hawkins

Mar 212013

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The Two Gentlemen of Verona Act II, Scene iv
Proteus
December 12, 2012

valentine-rescues-silvia-in-the-two-gentlemen-of-verona-1789

It's a throw down! Have your ears dazzled by the clarity of Jeffrey Hawkins' words. We will take you on a journey through some serious deconstruction of Proteus speech from Act 2, Scene 4 of The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Take our advice and listen to this one as we cover the ground from scansion, to fricatives, all the way to the Dreaded O. Welcome to the State of Shakespeare - pumpkin pants optional.

Click here to see the text. Click for here for the First Folio.

Click here to see a fully scanned version of the text.

March 21, 2013 Artists, Interview, Podcasts

Dan Daily

Mar 012013

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Henry IV, Part i; Act V, Scene i
Falstaff
February 21, 2013

What is in that word "honor"? Dan Daily and The State of Shakespeare examine Falstaff's "honor" speech from Act V, Scene i of Henry IV, Part I. Along the way, we get to the bottom of how Falstaff got his name (hint: John Oldcastle), what is a catechism, how many fat jokes are in the text and why Falstaff has a point about those who "find quarrel in a straw / When honour's at the stake." Pour a cup of sack and enjoy.

Dan plays Falstaff in the Pearl Theater production of Henry IV, Part I. Running from March 2 - March 17. For tickets, times and information, click here.

Click here to view a copy of Falstaff's Speech from Henry IV, Part I.

Production Photo by Elise VanderKley

March 1, 2013 Artists, Interview, Podcasts

The Suzuki Method

Feb 252013

Podcast: Play in new window | Download What is the underlying theory behind Tadashi Suzuki’s Acting Training Method? How is it useful to an actor? What are the haturo? Jeffrey Hawkins talks about the training, the beauty, the aesthetic and how to maintain stillness in the face of gigantic blood sucking insects. If you ever

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February 25, 2013 Asides, Podcasts

Jim Volz: The State of Shakespeare

Jan 162013

Podcast: Play in new window | Download How did the Oregon Shakespeare Festival start? What is the Theatricum Botanicum? Get the answers to these questions and so much more in our rousing interview with Jim Volz. From how Shakespeare companies are going to be affected by the fiscal cliff, to who

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January 16, 2013 Artists, Interview, Podcasts

The Shakespeare Forum – A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Dec 082012

Podcast: Play in new window | Download The folks at the Shakespeare Forum are at it again! Their production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream just opened. Director Tyler Moss speaks about some of the discoveries, the delights and his unique interpretations of one of Shakespeare’s most famous comedies. Expect truth, expect laughs, expect love juice.

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December 8, 2012 Asides, Interview

Facing Page & Luke Forbes: Richard III

Oct 232012

Podcast: Play in new window | Download Richard III Act I, Scene ii Richard (Duke of Gloucester) October 5, 2012 Will Shakespeare be lost in translation, or can a play transcend transcription? It’s a question that will be put to the test in an audacious new production. Using the No Fear Shakespeare text,

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