Summer with the Bard

Series produced by Hold That Thought

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Celebrate the renowned playwright William Shakespeare by delving deep into the texts of his plays and the world in which he wrote. Nine episodes feature the work and insights of scholars from Washington University in St. Louis.

Hold That Thought celebrates the renowned playwright William Shakespeare by delving deep into the texts of his plays and the world in which he wrote. Scholars from across Washington University in St. Louis discuss the competitive business of playwriting in the late 1500s, themes that run in and out of Shakespeare's work, and how his legacy lives on today.


11 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
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Kathleen Finneran talks about the writing process of her memoir, The Tender Land: A Family Love Story, and the memories that inspired it.

  • Added: Mar 10, 2016
  • Length: 13:44
Caption: Bride of the Wind, Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Henry Schvey discusses the inspiration for his play on the life of painter Oskar Kokoschka,

  • Added: Mar 10, 2016
  • Length: 12:16
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Professors Derek Hirst and Steven Zwicker discuss the life and work of Andrew Marvell.

  • Added: Mar 10, 2016
  • Length: 16:04
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Professor Joe Loewenstein details Shakespeare's creative and intellectual response to accusations of plagiarism by Robert Greene.

  • Added: Jan 04, 2016
  • Length: 16:39
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Roman historian Karen Acton explores the historical identities of Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra.

  • Added: Jan 04, 2016
  • Length: 14:58
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Scholars and directors shed light on the question of why we continue to study and admire William Shakespeare.

  • Added: Jan 04, 2016
  • Length: 16:50
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Joe Loewenstein describes the small and highly competitive theater scene in which Early Modern playwrights like William Shakespeare flourished.

  • Added: Jan 04, 2016
  • Length: 14:06
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Robert Henke tracks Shakespeare back to his Italian inspirations and uncovers sources for his early comedies.

  • Added: Jan 04, 2016
  • Length: 12:26
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Jami Ake questions the role of marriage in Shakespeare's plays and whether the famous playwright qualifies as a feminist.

Bought by Prairie Public


  • Added: Jan 04, 2016
  • Length: 15:11
  • Purchases: 1
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Robert Wiltenbug surveys the great moments of mercy, both granted and withheld, in Shakespeare's many plays.

  • Added: Jan 04, 2016
  • Length: 15:07
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Musa Gurnis describes the characteristics and lasting influence of theater in Shakespeare's time.

  • Added: Jan 04, 2016
  • Length: 13:50