Showing results for "Public History" in Drama & Plays

The History of King Lear is Nahum Tates remarkable adaptation of William Shakespeares timeless tragedy. Premiering in 1681—approximately seventy-five years after Shakespeares original—Tates version captivated audiences and largely supplanted Shakespeares work on the English stage until 1838. Unlike the original, Tates play concludes on a hopeful note, depicting Lear reclaiming his throne and Cordelia marrying Edgar, with Edgar joyfully proclaiming that truth and virtue shall at last succeed. This adaptation, structured in five acts like Shakespeares, diverges in scene count and is roughly ...

Set against the backdrop of World War I in a quaint English town, The Red Planet unfolds through the eyes of Major Duncan Meredyth, a disabled veteran of the Boer Wars. As he navigates the challenges of life and strives to maintain harmony for himself and those he loves, he is burdened by a dark secret linked to one of the villages beloved figures. This captivating narrative was a bestseller in the United States in 1917, offering a poignant exploration of duty, sacrifice, and the complexity of human relationships. (Summary by Miss Stav)

Join Ethan Allen as he recounts his thrilling military adventures and harrowing captivity, filled with a captivating mix of drama, humor, and unforgettable encounters. - Summary by Steven Warner

The Tragedy of Mariam (1613) marks a groundbreaking moment in literary history as the first original play written in English by a woman. Crafted by Elizabeth Cary, this closet drama draws inspiration from Jewish histories by Josephus, delving into the life of Mariam, the second wife of Herod the Great. As the play unfolds, Mariam grapples with conflicting emotions—relieved at the thought of Herods death due to her anger over his past actions, yet torn by her love and sense of duty as his wife. When Herod unexpectedly returns, Mariam is faced with a heart-wrenching decision that challenges ...

Dive into Dumass captivating play that explores the passionate romantic escapades and honorable duels of American naval hero John Paul Jones as he navigates life ashore in France. This rich narrative was later transformed into a novel, offering a deeper glimpse into his adventures and character. - Summary by ToddHW

Dive into Schillers poignant tragedy that captures the tumultuous final days of Mary, Queen of Scots. Imprisoned by her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I, Mary faces the looming threat of execution due to her claim on the English throne. The plays gripping narrative unfolds around a desperate attempt to rescue Mary, juxtaposed with Elizabeths agonizing indecision over her fate. This captivating audio rendition features Joseph Mellishs 1801 translation, bringing the emotional intensity of the story to life. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett) Cast Queen Elizabeth Elizabeth Klett, Mary Stuart Arielle Lipshaw, ...

Dive into the dark history of the notorious Borgias and the tragic Cenci in Dumass Celebrated Crimes. This detailed account, not intended for the faint of heart, vividly portrays the violent scenes of a turbulent era. Despite some distortions and controversial allegations, the mature, discerning reader will appreciate the depth of research involved. The Borgias, an infamous Florentine family infamous for their violent intrigue, have nonetheless found defenders throughout history. Contrastingly, the Cencis tale is one of unspeakable tragedy, with the beautiful Beatrice Cenci forever ...

In 1894, Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish captain in the French Army, was falsely accused of treason and sentenced to life imprisonment on Devil’s Island, a notorious penal colony in French Guiana. His published prison diary, Five Years of My Life, is a riveting account of his fight for survival amidst torturous conditions, isolation and deprivation. Back in Paris, his wife Lucie was battling her own war, protecting their children from the surge of anti-Semitism, and tirelessly working to clear Alfreds name. This podcast includes heart-wrenching excerpts from their letters, a testament to their ...

Selma Lagerlf, born in Vrmland, Sweden, in 1858, was a celebrated writer whose literary prowess earned her the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1909. She passed away in her hometown in 1940. The Treasure (originally Herr Arnes penningar) is a captivating blend of drama and ghost story, first published in 1904, with its English translation appearing in 1923. Set against the haunting backdrop of Bohusln on Swedens West coast during the mid-16th Century, the tale unfolds as Herr Arne, the old Parson of Solberga, and his entire household are brutally murdered, leaving only the orphaned foster daughter...

Theophrastus Longuet, a retired rubber stamp manufacturer in Paris, enjoys a peaceful life with his beloved wife Marceline and their longtime friend M. Lecamus. However, tranquility is shattered when the malevolent spirit of Cartouche, a notorious brigand executed in 1721, threatens to disrupt their idyllic existence. As a perfect storm brews, the trio must confront the haunting legacy of the past, and even the enigmatic Mage, M. Eliphas de Saint-Elme de Taillebourg de la Nox, lurking in his mysterious underground crypt, may not be enough to save them from their impending fate. (Summary by ...

American State Trials, Volume 1 offers an unparalleled collection of the significant and fascinating criminal trials that have occurred in the United States since its inception. This comprehensive series, rich in drama and historical detail, serves as an engaging and educational resource. It transports you straight to the courtroom, placing you amidst the judges, jurors, and defendants, and immersing you in a captivating, real-life drama. The trials and subsequent verdicts tell stories of pathos and intrigue, innocence and guilt, power and poverty. This collection presents not only the ...

Decades ago, WRVO Public Media began broadcasting old-time radio with a small collection comprising 20 reel-to-reel tapes. Today the collection includes nearly 7,000 reels and over 20,000 broadcasts. "Tuned to Yesterday" is public radio's premier old-time radio show, hosted by Mark Lavonier. The highest quality broadcasts are restored and played as they were heard years and years ago. You'll hear programs like "The Whistler," "The Jack Benny Show," "Fibber McGee and Molly," "Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy," and "Gunsmoke" -- spanning all genres.

Join me under the neon glow of the historic Les Girls Theater for “Stripper Energy: Fighting Back from the Fringes.” Former dancer and current owner of Les Girls Theater, Kata Pierce-Morgan, provides unlimited access to a half century of archival material that uncovers a dark chapter of San Diego history from the 1970s and 80s. Kata has been turning chapters from her life and the history of Les Girls into politically charged performance art for San Diego International Fringe Festival. Her consistent theme has been, never be a silent bystander. This year she premieres “No Regrets,” a ...

In this poignant tale, a young soldier of Tartar descent, unknowingly sired by the illustrious Persian hero Rustum, yearns to connect with his father. Serving in the Tartar army, he convinces his general to broker a truce, allowing him to challenge the Persians to single combat. Little does he know, his mother, fearing for his life, has misled Rustum into believing their child is a girl. As fate intertwines, the Persians find themselves without a champion until Rustum, contemplating retirement, steps forward to defend them—albeit incognito. What unfolds is a gripping duel laden with tragic ...

We love to read! We know many of you do too. That’s why we created a book club at Iowa Public Radio. Hear about the themes, characters and big picture questions raised by the titles on our reading list. Get a copy of the books, find a comfortable chair, and read or re-read with us.The Talk of Iowa Book Club podcast is sponsored by Western Home Communities and Cultivating Compassion: The Dr. Deming Foundation.