Episode 601. More Lauren Gunderson

Playwright Lauren Gunderson continues the conversation we began with her last November 2017, talking about her amazing play The Book of Will, a valentine about the creation of the First Folio, the first collection of all (most) of Shakespeare’s plays in 1623. WARNING: This is a slightly spoiler-y conversation (our first spoiler-free conversation can be found here) but in it Lauren reveals the process of research, dramaturgy, and creation; and also discusses the value of preparing for loss; being present; the wonder of ephemera; Shakespeare’s amazing women (both onstage and off); practicing memory as an active thing; favorite brilliant actors; and the absolute magic of double-casting. Featuring a special appearance by Oregon Shakespeare Festival Executive Director Cynthia Rider. (Length 17:23) (Pictured: Cristofer Jean in the Oregon Shakespeare Festival production of The Book of Will. Photo by Jenny Graham)

Episode 479. Designing Stage Sets

”As Austin Tichenor begins to direct his adaptation of Jasper Fforde’s The Eyre Affair at Valparaiso University, Assistant Professor of Design/Theatre Alan Ernstein talks about the job of the set designer and about the fun and challenges of creating a space for a play to happen. Featuring the joys of working in Read more…

Episode 463. Rewriting William Shakespeare

”The Oregon Shakespeare Festival recently announced “Play On!”, their project to create “translations” of all of Shakespeare’s plays, working with thirty-six contemporary playwrights and dramaturges, which will serve as companions to the original texts. Scholars and artists the world over have weighed in, so as authors of Shakespearean “companions” ourselves, Read more…

Episode 185. The TCG Conference

”We visit the Theatre Communications Group annual conference in Chicago and chat with Paul Nicholson, Executive Director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and Cynthia Rider, Managing Director of the Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Featuring a reduced overview (an underview?) of the weekend, wonderful moments of inspiration, a special appearance by Read more…