Join Steven and Annie in watching Franco Zeffirelli's 1967 classic adaptation of "The Taming of The Shrew" starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Annie and Steven recently appeared as Kate and Petruchio in the Rogue Valley Shakespeare Company production of the play. Hear them give their commentary about the film; how it matches up to the actual text; analysis of the production; and their honest critique of the film, scene by scene. Exclusively for patrons at patreon.com/dontquillthemessenger
A Measure of Justice
Steven reviews the legal aspects of "Measure For Measure," calling upon a thesis published in 2004 by Virginia R. Stephens as a profound examination into the play's depiction of the qualities of justice in Elizabethan society and beyond.
Shake-Speare's Sonnets by Anne Hathaway-Shaksper
Steven welcomes Dr. Chris Summers to this episode to discuss Summers' works dedicated to the theory that the works of Shakespeare were actually written by Anne Hathaway, wife to William Shaksper of Stratford. Summers' published books specifically examine the Sonnets as written by Anne to William.
Tolkien vs. Shakespeare
Steven explores Tolkien's professed hatred for the works of Shakespeare while pointing to how much Tolkien's works were actually influenced by the Bard he appeared to be so jealous of, and whether Tolkien's vitriol may have been rooted in his skepticism over Shakespeare authorship.
Running a Shakespeare Marathon
Steven and his wife, Annie, discuss the recent Shakespeare Marathon event held at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. They also explore the unique aspects of Shakespearean theatrical companies rooted in the traditions of Elizabethan theatre, and what it is like to consistently "run" the Shakespeare marathon of their lives as regular producers and performers of Shakespearean works.
Macbeth and Freemasonry
As promised in a previous episode, Steven delivers an insightful view into the Masonic symbolism and references found within "Macbeth," as well as an exploration of the Bard's obvious fascination with the occult. Hear it exclusively at patreon.com/dontquillthemessenger
Oresteian Hamlet With Dr. Earl Showerman
Steven welcomes Dr. Earl Showerman back to the series to discuss the ancient Greek sources and topical allusions of Elizabethan politics found within English literature's greatest work of drama.
Shakespeare: Creator of Free Masonry
Steven takes a deep dive into the work and research of Alfred Dodd (1933) and others who have studied and written about Shakespeare's connection to the rites and rituals of Freemasonry. Dodd's book, "Shakespeare: Creator of Free Masonry," laid the foundation for Masons to fully claim Shakespeare as one of their own.
The 'Heretic' Queen of Literary Taboo
Journalist and author, Elizabeth Winkler, returns to the series to look back at the global reactions to her book, "Shakespeare Was A Woman and Other Heresies: How Doubting the Bard Became the Biggest Taboo in Literature." She and Steven discuss critiques and praise for the book, additions to the coming paperback edition, and hints about what Elizabeth is working on next.
The Art of Collaboration and Commitment
Steven shares behind-the-scenes details and insights into the many collaborators and facets behind producing a major theatrical event such as "William Shakespeare, Esquire" and the Brittle Glory Marathon at the Guthrie Theater.
Shakespeare's Muses: A Measure for the Ladies
Steven welcomes globally renowned engineer and music composer, Luis Sousa, back to the series to discuss the importance of the muse to the creative process and the five female muses found within the Shakespeare canon. Recorded March 8, International Women's Day, this episode pays tribute to the ladies who helped shape the Bard's life and his works.
Movie Watch Along: Much Ado About Nothing (1993)
Join Steven and his wife, Annie, in watching one of their favorite Shakespeare films: the 1993 Renaissance Films production of Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Kenneth Branagh; starring Branagh, Emma Thompson, Kate Beckinsale, Denzel Washington, Keanu Reeves, and Michael Keaton. Available now exclusively to patrons at patreon.com/dontquillthemessenger
Bard Battle of the Sexes
Steven and his wife, Annie, discuss the complexities of the relationship between Kate and Petruchio in "The Taming of the Shrew," and why that play carries such a strong level of love/hate reactions with modern actors and audiences.
Christopher Marlowe: Gay, Atheist, Spy, & Shakespeare?
Steven welcomes novelist, playwright, director Ted Bacino to this episode to discuss his novel and script of the same name, "The Shakespeare Conspiracy." Together, they explore some mysterious details surrounding the life and recorded death of Christopher Marlowe and certain theories that Marlowe was involved in writing the works of Shakespeare.
Is Edward Dead? Part 2
Steven continues exploration into the mysteries surrounding Edward de Vere's reported death of June 24, 1604, and further evidence that he may have continued to live until 1611, in this second part of a special two-part Bonus Feature. Exclusive for patrons at Patreon.com/DontQuillTheMessenger
Learning From Monstrous Adversaries
Steven welcomes New Zealander Dean Bradley from the Antipodes to discuss his foray into the world of debate with the Oxfraudsters; how he approached the fray; what he gleaned from the exchange; and a new theory he has developed regarding the Shakespeare Authorship Mystery.
5 Year Anniversary!
Steven and Jake sit down to celebrate the 5 year anniversary of Don't Quill the Messenger! They read listener reviews and emails, share most popular episodes, talk about the future of the podcast, the quiller event, project and show ideas and so much more.
Is Edward Dead? Part 1
Steven explores the mysteries surrounding the reported June 24, 1604, death of Edward de Vere, 17 Earl of Oxford in this two-part special bonus feature. Now exclusively here on Patreon!
Italian Sources
Steven welcomes Italian-Australian Michael Curtotti to this episode to discuss Michael's recent new translastion of Bandello's original Italian novella, "Romeo and Juliet." Steven and Michael discuss Bandello's influence on the Bard and discover original Italian passages that are directy connected to lines from the play. Michael shares some of Bandello's original Italian text, and the two of them discuss other original Italian works serving as source material for Shakespeare plays.
Authorship and Philosophy
Steven welcomes Michael Dudley back to the series to help Michael launch his new book, "The Shakespeare Authorship Question and Philosophy." This audio recording of the Facebook Live event is a special episode that bespeaks more live episode recordings to come!