S2E2 - Shakespeare and the American Experience

S2E2 - Shakespeare and the American Experience

Author: Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival November 10, 2025 Duration: 1:11:49

PA Shakespeare Festival continues its second season of As You Mic It with a conversation that explores Shakespeare as "America's Playwright."

In this episode, hosts Jason King Jones, Kim Carson, and Connie Behringer reflect on the role of theatre in the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary and how Shakespeare’s work continues to shape our understanding of democracy, identity, and community.

Later in the episode, JKJ sits with author and scholar James Shapiro, whose books Shakespeare in a Divided America and The Playbook examine how the Bard’s voice has echoed through centuries of American history. Together, they consider why Shakespeare still matters to audiences today and what his legacy means in defining the American experience.

In A Peek Behind the Curtain, the team shares a behind-the-scenes look at PSF’s casting process that brings the Festival’s Legends and Legacy theme to life.

Hosted by: Jason King Jones, Connie Behringer, and Kim Carson

Featuring: James Shapiro

(Producer's Note: This episode was recorded prior to the passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney. In conversation with James Shapiro, Mr. Cheney is referenced in connection to his readership and engagement with Shakespearean scholarship. We’ve chosen to maintain the reference in this episode and extend our respect to Mr. Cheney’s family.)


Mentioned in this episode:

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Join us at the Bard and Beyond Book Club

For more details, visit pashakespeare.org/bookclub

Be a Maker of Theatre

Support PSF: https://pashakespeare.org/support/


Dive into the rich world of the stage with As You Mic It, a production of the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. This isn't just a series of lectures; it's an invitation backstage, where the magic of performance and the depth of literary tradition meet. Each conversation feels like pulling up a chair in the green room, listening as artists and scholars unpack the themes, characters, and historical contexts that give these timeless works their enduring power. You'll hear from the authors, directors, and actors who bring the words to life, gaining insight into the creative decisions that shape each festival production. The discussions are both insightful and genuinely playful, celebrating the art of storytelling in all its complexity. No matter your background-whether you can quote soliloquies by heart or are simply drawn to a good story-this podcast offers a fresh and engaging perspective. The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival has crafted a space where analysis feels like discovery, making the anthology of their work accessible and endlessly fascinating. Tune in to find your connection to these classic tales, explored with a contemporary ear and a deep love for the performing arts.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

As You Mic It
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