Red Bull Theater Podcast

Obie Award–winning director, revered educator, and Richard Rodgers Dean and Director of the Drama Division at The Juilliard School, EVAN YIONOULIS joins host Nathan Winkelstein for a riveting conversation about one of William Shakespeare’s most under-explored plays, King John. Yionoulis reads Constance’s famous speech from Act 3, Scene 4 — “Thou art not holy to belie me so. I am not mad.” — sparking a rich discussion on the play’s political tensions, emotional depth, and startling resonance with today’s world. Together, they unpack the history behind the drama, its complexities, and why it still matters now.

Distinguished actor and educator SHIRINE BABB joins host Nathan Winkelstein for a conversation about inhabiting the formidable Margaret of Anjou from Shakespeare’s Henry VI and Richard III. Babb delivers the iconic “molehill” speech from Henry VI, Part III, Act I, Scene IV — “What, was it you that would be England’s king?” — and unpacks her process: a rigorous cross-examination of Margaret’s historical reality alongside Shakespeare’s portrayal, tracing their points of alignment to arrive at a deeply rich and fully realized character.

One of classical theater’s great power couples, ROBERT CUCCIOLI & LAILA ROBINS, joined host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, for a lively conversation centered on Shakespeare’s own iconic pair, Antony and Cleopatra. Focusing on the Act 1 Scene 3 quarrel—“I am sick and sullen”—they explored the dynamics of the scene and reflected on their experiences working together. (3/1/2021)

Renowned director and teacher CARL COFIELD — Chair of the NYU Grad Acting Program and Associate Artistic Director of the Classical Theatre of Harlem — joins host Nathan Winkelstein for a deep dive into how a director approaches the tragedy of Macbeth. Cofield recites the iconic “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow” speech from Act V, Scene 5 and they discuss his text-driven vision, his take on Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s complex dynamic, and how personal experience shapes artistic interpretation. 

Tony Award-winning Actor ANDRÉ DE SHIELDS joined host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, for a conversation focused on the ‘man more sinned against than sinning’, Shakespeare’s titular King Lear. Their discussion centers on Act 3 Scene 2—“Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks!”—exploring its language, politics, and the lasting impact of great storytelling. (2/1/2021)

Three-time Tony Award–winning director, producer, and writer JACK O’BRIEN joins host Nathan Winkelstein for a deep dive into the evolution of language and Shakespeare’s verse. From memory, O’Brien delivers Marc Antony’s famous speech from Act 3 Scene 1 of Julius Caesar — “O pardon me thou bleeding piece of earth,” — before unpacking the nuances of Shakespeare’s text, its rhythm, and its structure. Plus, he shares his unforgettable Middle English party trick!

Appearing on stages all across the country and the Off-Broadway rialto, RAPHAEL NASH THOMPSON has built a sterling reputation as a brilliant actor in the classics. He joined host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull’s Associate Artistic Director, and special guest JESSE BERGER, Red Bull’s Founder and Artistic Director, for a conversation focused on Shakespeare’s Pericles. Thompson tackled the role of Gower in Red Bull Theater’s 2003 production. He reprised the role in 2016 at Theater for a New Audience under the direction of Trevor Nunn. Thompson read an except from Act 3 Prologue—“Now sleep yslackèd hath the rout;”—and joined in a discussion of the rewards and challenges of this unique Shakespeare play. (10/4/2021)This event was part of PERICLES 2021 – a multi-faceted endeavor to provide an opportunity for our entire community to explore William Shakespeare’s Pericles – the founding production of Red Bull Theater (2003) – with BIPOC voices in our present moment.

The incomparable character actor MICHAEL EMERSON joins host Nathan Winkelstein for a riveting conversation centered on Claudius from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Emerson brings his signature intensity to a chilling reading of the king’s guilt-laden soliloquy from Act 3 Scene 3 — “O, my offense is rank, it smells to heaven” — illuminating the psychological depth and moral ambiguity of one of the Bard’s most enigmatic villains. Together, they unpack the emotional weight and political cunning embedded in the text, offering rich insights into performance, motivation, and the enduring relevance of Shakespeare’s work.

CHUKWUDI IWUJI joined host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull’s Associate Artistic Director, for a conversation centered on Henry VI—the man who would be “a homely swain.” Chukwudi played the title role across all three parts of the Henry VI trilogy with the ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY in 2006, in productions helmed by Michael Boyd. He read an excerpt from Act 2 Scene 5—“This battle fares like to the morning’s war”—and reflected on three pivotal turning points in his career. (6/29/2020)

The Renaissance man of American theater, AUSTIN PENDLETON, joins host Nathan Winkelstein for an insightful conversation exploring his multifaceted experiences with Shakespeare—as an actor, director, playwright, and teacher. Pendleton delivers a stirring reading of Hamlet’s monologue from Act 2 Scene 2 — “O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I!” — setting the stage for a lively exchange. Together, they delve into their differing perspectives on interpreting the Bard’s works, sparring playfully over the challenges and joys of bringing Shakespeare to life. *Guest opinions are their own and do not reflect the views of Red Bull Theater.

ISMENIA MENDES joined host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull’s Associate Artistic Director, for a conversation focused on Lady Macbeth–a role that she played to great acclaim in our 2019 production of MAC BETH. They discussed the challenges and rewards of playing one of Shakespeare’s most iconic leading women and she read an excerpt of Act 1 Scene 7: "Was the hope drunk wherein you dressed yourself?". (5/9/2022)

We are kicking off our second season of the RED BULL THEATER PODCAST with the return of the first ever guest of the beloved RemarkaBULL Podversations, the effervescent star of stage and film, MICHAEL URIE! He joins host Nathan Winkelstein for a dive into Michael’s Shakespeare origin story, his journey through Juilliard, and his profound insights on the craft. Michael reads Leontes’ speech from Act 1 Scene 2 of The Winter’s Tale—“I am angling now, Though you perceive me not how I give line.”— unpacking the intricacies of the language and characters.

Celebrated stage and screen actor JAY O. SANDERS joins host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull’s Associate Artistic Director, for a conversation focused on one of Shakespeare’s most iconic characters. Appearing in the Henry IV's and The Merry Wives of Windsor–and also eulogized in Henry V, Falstaff is a unique study. Together they will read from Henry IV, Act 2 Scene 4: “But tell me, Hal, art not thou horrible afeard?” — discussing the rewards and challenges of playing Shakespeare’s most lovable and licentious old knight. (April 5, 2021)Exciting update! Since we recorded this Podversation back in 2021, Jay O. Sanders was cast as Falstaff for Theatre for a New Audience's production of Henry IV — on stage from January 30 - March 2, 2025. At the time of publishing this remastered Podversation, audiences have 4 more opportunities to see it! 

Illustrious stage and film actor KELLEY CURRAN joins host Nathan Winkelstein for an engaging conversation centered on Hermione from Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale. Together, they recite and analyze a pivotal excerpt from Act 3 Scene 2—“Since what I am to say must be but that which contradicts my accusation…”—delving into the complexities of the character. Their discussion explores themes of faith, power, politics, revenge, and retribution, offering a rich interpretation of this iconic play.

Known for her countless leading roles in the theater and on-screen in film and television, LILY RABE has paved her own path as a critically acclaimed, versatile actor. She joined host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull’s Associate Artistic Director, for a conversation focused on an essential passage from Shakespeare's CYMBELINE, Act 3 Scene 4: "Thou told’st me, when we came from horse, the place Was near at hand." She answered questions from the audience about her approach to classical work and her experience playing Imogen. (May 3, 2021)

Acclaimed actor BILL CAMP joins host Nathan Winkelstein for a conversation focused on Shakespeare’s Henry V. Together they talk through Hals’ famous tennis ball speech in Act 1 Scene 2: “We are glad the Dauphin is so pleasant with us.” and discuss how Bill approaches classical texts by fully embracing the language.

Rising star of stage and screen GRANTHAM COLEMAN joined host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull’s Associate Artistic Director, for a conversation focused on Much Ado About Nothing’s Benedick–a role he played to great acclaim for Shakespeare in Park in 2019. He read an excerpt from the play and discussed the challenges of that particular speech from Act 2 Scene 3, as well as the rewards of playing one of Shakespeare’s most charismatic leading men. (January 19, 2022)

Award winning theater, film, and television actor ZAINAB JAH joins host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull’s Associate Artistic Director, for a conversation focused on Shakespeare's Hamlet. Together they talk through Hamlet's speech in Act 2 Scene 2: "What a piece of work is a man!" and discuss Zainab's unique journey with the classics.

Extraordinary stage and film actor JACOB MING-TRENT joins host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull’s Associate Artistic Director, for a conversation focused on Bottom's dream from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, Act 4 Scene 1: “When my cue comes, call me, and I will answer.” You can see this master at work in our upcoming Off-Broadway production of MEDEA: RE-VERSED. Ticket are on sale now at RedBullTheater.com. (November 21, 2022)

Actor, playwright, translator, professor, and dramaturge DAKIN MATTHEWS joins host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull’s Associate Artistic Director, for a conversation focused on Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice. Together they dissect Bassanio's speech in Act 3 Scene 2: "What find I here? Fair Portia’s counterfeit!" and discuss Shakespeare's technical perspective and how that can help an actor understand his verse. 

Renowned Broadway and TV star ELIZABETH MARVEL joins host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull’s Associate Artistic Director,  for a conversation focused on Mark Antony’s other iconic speech from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Act 3 Scene 1: "Cry ‘Havoc!’ and let slip the dogs of war.” Elizabeth Marvel took on the role in Oskar Eustis’s controversial 2017 production for Shakespeare in the Park.  (April 27, 2020)

New York Shakespeare royalty HAMISH LINKLATER joins host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull’s Associate Artistic Director, for a conversation focused on Shakespeare's Hamlet. Together they explore Hamlet's first soliloquy in Act 1 Scene 2: "O, that this too too solid flesh would melt." 

Celebrated Shakespearean actor and Tony Award-nominee PATRICK PAGE  joins host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull’s Associate Artistic Director,  for a conversation exploring Iago, focused on his speech from the first act Shakespeare’s OTHELLO. Part of #OTHELLO2020. Details at https://www.redbulltheater.com/i-hate-the-moor-patrick-page. (October 5, 2020)

Multi Emmy and Tony Award nominee MICHAEL STUHLBARG joins host NATHAN WINKELSTEIN, Red Bull’s Associate Artistic Director, for a conversation focused on how a great actor approaches a text cold. Together they explore Angelo's speech in Measure for Measure, Act 2 Scene 4: “When I would pray and think.”