Shakespeare Uncovered

Antony Sher reflects on his decision to play Richard III's deformities, by giving him a tremendous energy despite his physical setbacks.

Richard III is an adept politician – and a consummate actor – which makes him both brilliant and dangerous as he manipulates and maneuvers to quickly achieve his goals.

Simon Russell Beale uncovers the romance and betrayals of “The Winter’s Tale” and shows that in this play Shakespeare offers something for which everyone longs: the ability to make amends for an irreversible mistake.

Deep in the grip of an irrational jealousy, Leontes convinces himself of his wife’s betrayal and won’t be persuaded otherwise, even by Camillo, his most trusted counselor.

Repentant and hopeful, Leontes, who thought he had forever lost his family, is reunited with his wife and daughter and finds joy in the face of loss.

"Friends, Romans, Countrymen..." Brian Cox speaks about the power of rhetoric in Mark Antony's famous speech – and for modern politicians.

Brian Cox explores how "Julius Caesar," for many years, was seen to represent the American experience: the birth of a Republic. The play explores how easy it is for a free republic to fall into corruption. More than that, the play challenges us to think about who or what to trust and what values we want to live by — and to look inside and wonder how well we even know ourselves.

The events in Julius Caesar took place 2,000 years ago, but the idea of political assassination has a terrible resonance for Americans. One notorious figure, John Wilkes Booth, was obsessed with the character of Brutus.

When Angelo is condemned to death, his new wife begs Isabella to save him despite the fact he had attempted to ruin Isabella's life. Isabella makes a hard yet inspiring decision.

Romola Garai explores “Measure for Measure,” one of Shakespeare’s most provocative plays that presents a surprisingly timely drama of sexual morality, hypocrisy and harassment.

When Isabella goes to confront Angelo on his hypocrisy, his chilling reply is one that unfortunately still resonates today.

Pushed to the edge, Shylock passionately insists that Jews are no different than any other people, with common humanity, feelings – and desire for revenge.