Shakespeare in American Life with Sam Waterston

Folger Shakespeare Library and Richard Paul present "Shakespeare in American Life," three one-hour radio documentaries exploring the influence of William Shakespeare's works on American civic, political, and cultural life. These programs are produced by award-winning public radio producer Richard Paul and narrated by Sam Waterston.

Told in three parts, the story of "Shakespeare in American Life" includes:

Shakespeare Becomes American: Shakespeare in Performance which explores how American Shakespeare has been shaped by the American experience. From the very beginning, Americans have sought to make Shakespeare an honorary citizen. Whether we have succeeded in that or not, one thing is clear. On the stage, within the realm of performance Americans have certainly made Shakespeare our own, bringing to the performance of Shakespeare American passion, American language and American innovation.

The Father of the Man In America: Shakespeare in Education and Civic Life. After the American revolution, there were real questions about whether America should adopt British culture and literature -- including Shakespeare's plays -- or create its own. The documentary follows Shakespeare's path in the years that followed.

Shakespeare is a Black Woman: Shakespeare in American Politics.

Janet Reno assembled her staff to read King Lear. In 1849, disputes over British and American acting styles touched off a deadly riot. The most famous black Shakespearean of the 19th century was an American who went to Europe after he saw black actors arrested for performing Shakespeare in the US. In the 1980s, Shakespeare was drawn into battles over race and gender on college campuses. Hide full description

Folger Shakespeare Library and Richard Paul present "Shakespeare in American Life," three one-hour radio documentaries exploring the influence of William Shakespeare's works on American civic, political, and cultural life. These programs are produced by award-winning public radio producer Richard Paul and narrated by Sam Waterston.Told in three parts, the story of "Shakespeare in American Life" includes:Shakespeare Becomes American: Shakespeare in Performance which explores how American Shakespeare has been shaped by the American experience. From the very beginning, Americans have sought to make Shakespeare an honorary citizen. Whether we have succeeded in that or not, one thing is clear. On the stage, within the realm of performance Americans have certainly made Shakespeare our... Show full description