Known for its heartrending emotion and shocking violence, The Tragedy of King Lear is seen as one of Shakespeare’s towering masterpieces. It tells the tale of the ageing King Lear, a British monarch who disposes of his vast kingdom by giving bequests to his two eldest daughters when they flatter his vanity. Unbeknown to him, these daughters hide cold and unfeeling hearts; the only daughter truly worthy of his grace, Cordelia, is shunned and later exiled when she refuses to play her sisters’ game. Lear’s rash decision precipitates a series of events that all cascade into the realm of overbearing misery. Madness (both real and feigned), torture, stormy weather, sibling rivalry and the threat of war are but some of the things you can expect from this extraordinary work, all brought about by a great man who falls from the heights of power due to a single moment of irrationality. And to perform it all? Three men (Craig Franklin, Tomas Peter, and Brad “Hamlet” Filippone) and one woman (Sonia), determined to give you a performance of this moving play that you will never forget. You thought you knew your Shakespeare? Well, think again! – Summary by Tomas Peter Cast list: Brad “Hamlet” Filippone: Narrator; Earl of Kent / Caius; Duke of Albany; King of France; Curan; Old Man; Captain; First Servant to Cornwall & French Messenger. Tomas Peter: Earl of Gloucester; Edmund; Goneril; Fool; Duke of Burgundy; Physician; Knight; Second Servant to Cornwall & Second Officer. Sonia: Regan; Edgar / […]

When Julius Caesar returns to Rome from conquering the Gauls, Cassius and his friends are worried that he will try to seize power and make himself emperor. Cassius must act fast. He gathers Brutus, Cinna, and others to stop Julius Caesar and save the Roman Republic! This play was recorded in two weeks as part of Librivox’s celebration of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. Summary by Esther ben Simonides Cast List: Narrator: Peter Why Flavius, Casca, Volumnius: Maria Kasper Marullus, Cinna the Poet, Poet, Dardanius: Ray Kasper First Commoner, Decius Brutus, Fourth Citizen, First Soldier, Titinius,: Tomas Peter Second Commoner, Soothsayer, Octavius: Charlotte Duckett Julius Caesar, Strato: Beth Thomas Mark Antony: Esther ben Simonides Calpurnia, Second Citizen, Messala: Sonia Brutus: LindaB Cassius: Hamlet Cicero, Cato: Paul Huxley Cinna the Politician: Anna Simon Ligarius, Popilius, Pindarus: Phil Schempf Lucius, Third Citizen, Second Soldier,: Gaby Publius: Brian Metellus Cimber, Artemidorus,: John Burlinson Trebonius: Khaghbboommm Portia: Lydia Servant, Lepidus, Clitus: Lian Pang First Citizen, Claudius, Third Soldier, Messenger: Rachel Lucilius: Roohi Varro: Tony Addison Audio Edited by: Rachel, Maria Kasper, Gaby     [chương_files]  

Billed by scholars as the first part of the all-encompassing Henriad, Richard II is a richly satisfying probe into the inner workings of monarchical rule and its evolution from being seen as divinely held to a more modern conception that incorporates political cunning. Shakespeare positions the titular Richard in the former position, his shortcomings as England’s leader made all too clear when he bungles the handling of a judicial duel, and then later seizes money and assets that are not rightfully his in order to fund an Irish war. At the opposite end is the Machiavellian opportunist Henry Bolingbroke, who assembles enough supporters to help him dethrone the king and become the future Henry IV—the protagonist of the next two plays in this historical series. Written entirely in verse and containing some of the Bard’s most florid and evocative language, Richard II never fails to transport its audience back to its time, where the furious machinations of government and kingly rule could be as captivating and intense as any battlefield siege. And to perform it all? Three men (Craig Franklin, Tomas Peter, and Brad “Hamlet” Filippone) and one woman (Sonia), determined to give you a performance of Shakespeare’s work that you will never forget. You thought you knew your Shakespeare? Well, think again! – Summary by Tomas Peter Brad “Hamlet” Filippone: Narrator; Henry Bolingbroke; Earl of Salisbury; Bushy; Abbot of Westminster; York’s Servant; Exton’s Servant; Gardener’s Servant; Another Lord. Sonia: Richard II; Richard’s Queen; Duchess of York; Duchess of Gloucester; […]