Culture

Shakespeare Uncovered

Shakespeare Uncovered combines history, biography, iconic performances, new analysis, and the personal passions of its celebrated hosts Helen Hunt, F. Murray Abraham, Romola Garai, Brian Cox, Simon Russell Beale and Sir Antony Sher host the third season to tell the stories behind the stories of Shakespeare’s greatest plays.

“The Merchant of Venice” with F. Murray Abraham

54m 41s

F. Murray Abraham untangles the controversies surrounding “The Merchant of Venice,” addressing the ubiquitous anti-Semitism that characterized Europe in Shakespeare’s time.

Episodes

  • “Much Ado About Nothing”: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    “Much Ado About Nothing”

    S3 E1 - 54m 41s

    Helen Hunt explores how “Much Ado About Nothing” became one of Shakespeare’s most beloved romantic comedies.

Extras + Features

  • A Brutal Age of Politics: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    A Brutal Age of Politics

    S3 E6 - 2m 38s

    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.

  • I Am Not Shaped for Sport: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    I Am Not Shaped for Sport

    S3 E6 - 1m 40s

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

  • Leontes' Irrational Jealousy: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Leontes' Irrational Jealousy

    S3 E5 - 2m 18s

    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.

  • “The Winter’s Tale” with Simon Russell Beale Preview: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    “The Winter’s Tale” with Simon Russell Beale Preview

    S3 E5 - 30s

    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.

  • Julius Caesar's Impact on American History

    S3 E4 - 1m 33s

    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.

  • "Julius Caesar" with Brian Cox Preview: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    "Julius Caesar" with Brian Cox Preview

    S3 E4 - 30s

    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.

  • Who Will Believe Thee, Isabel?: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Who Will Believe Thee, Isabel?

    S3 E3 - 1m 34s

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

  • Isabella's Mercy: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Isabella's Mercy

    S3 E3 - 2m 37s

    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.

  • “The Merchant of Venice” Preview: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    “The Merchant of Venice” Preview

    S3 E2 - 30s

    F. Murray Abraham untangles the controversies surrounding “The Merchant of Venice,” addressing the ubiquitous anti-Semitism that characterized Europe in Shakespeare’s time.

Schedule

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