Chop Bard
Episodes
171 Living The Dream
29 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
A Midsummer Night's Dream – An Introduction – Our Dream begins with some useful information to help us navigate this strange journey. Hartford St...
170 Shakespeare Sundays
20 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
We introduce our new show, and premier the first episode. www.Shakespearesundays.com
169 Lifelike
09 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The Winter's Tale – Act V scene 2-3 – Autolycus is told about the amazing events that happened off stage, and everyone gathers for one last miracl...
168 Sicilia Waits for You
24 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The Winter's Tale – Act V scene 1 – Heirless and haunted by his past, Leontes welcomes our star-crossed lovers, even as fortune turns against them...
167 Undone in Bohemia
24 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The Winter's Tale – Act IV scene 4 part 2 – Perdita and Florizel face an unknown future, Camillo plots his return to Sicilia, and Autolycus seizes...
166 Of Sheep And Romance
28 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The Winter's Tale – Act IV scene 4 part 1 – Love, and flowers, abound at the sheep shearing feast, where Perdita and Florizel aren't the only ones...
165 Sixteen Years Later...
19 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The Winter's Tale – Act IV scene 1, 2 & 3 – Welcome to Bohemia! Where time passes at it pleases, kings spy on their heirs, and thieves pass for ti...
164 Perdita & The Bear
23 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The Winter's Tale – Act III scenes 3 – Antigonus, guided by a disturbing dream, arrives in Bohemia with Hermione's baby daughter.
163 First-Fruits, And Third Comfort
31 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The Winter's Tale – Act III scenes 1-2 – Cleomines and Dion return with the oracles response, as Hermione is brought to trial. For good, or ill, h...
162 Schrodinger's Baby
18 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The Winter's Tale – Act II scenes 2-3 – From Hermione's prison cell, hope is born. When Paulina makes her appearance, Leontes may be outmatched!
161 Spider In The Cup
27 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
The Winter's Tale – Act II scene 1 – The serenity of mother and child is shattered as Leontes publicly accuses his wife of adultery. Will in the ...
160 Injury Of Tongues
30 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
The Winter's Tale – Act I scene 2 – Leontes, convinced of his wife's adultery, looks to his most faithful confidant, Camillo, to help resolve his ...
159 Sicilia, You're Breaking My Heart
31 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
The Winter's Tale – Act I scene 2 – Polixenes truly desires to return home, but Hermione convinces him to stay, while Leontes has some bad ideas. ...
158 Tragical-Comical-Pastoral... Romance?
14 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
The Winter's Tale – Intro, and Act I scene 1 – A sad tale may be best for winter, but Shakespeare had something else in mind. Come join us in the ...
157 Aye Good Night
18 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
King Lear – Act V scene 3 – The wheel turns again as Lear and company make their weary way toward the inevitable conclusion. In memory of Judy Zie...
156 Wheel of Fire
31 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
King Lear – Act IV scene 7, Act V scenes 1 & 2 – Father and daughter are reunited, even as Edmund plots to revoke their happy ending. Featuring: E...
155 Great Stage of Fools
13 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
King Lear – Act IV scene 6 – Nothing is as it seems... Edgar and Gloucester stand upon the verge, encounter the mad King, and run into a serviceab...
154 Simples Operative
16 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
King Lear – Act IV scene 3, 4, & 5 – Lear has made it to Dover, Cordelia returns to the play, and Regan's got an eye for Edmund. Featuring: Emily ...
153 The Difference of Man
02 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
King Lear – Act IV scene 1 & 2 – Edgar encounters his blind father, as passion ignites in the north. Bardfilm
152 Blind
20 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
King Lear – Act III scene 7 – Poor Gloucester. He never saw it coming. Featuring: Kate Miller
151 To Bed at Noon
24 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
King Lear – Act III scene 5 & 6 – Edmund betrays his father, while the broken Lear conducts an imaginary trial.
150 Fie, Foh, and Fum
27 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
King Lear – Act III scene 3 & 4 – Seeking shelter from the storm, Lear & company encounter Edgar (disguised as Poor Tom), while Gloucester makes a...
149 I've Seen Fire and I've Seen Rain
01 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
King Lear – Act III scene 1 & 2 – Blow winds and crack your cheeks! Lear and his fool find themselves in the middle of nowhere, caught in a storm ...
148 Children of Spleen
08 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
King Lear – Act II scene 4 – It's a two on one grudge match: Old man Lear verses his thankless daughters!
147 Thou Unnecessary Letter
18 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
King Lear – Act II scene 2 & 3 – Kent bumps into a rival-messenger at Gloucester's house, while Edgar disappears. Jon Scholes
146 A Queasy Question
27 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
King Lear – Act II scene 1 – Gloucester receives a surprise visit, just as Edmund’s deceptions pay off, and whispered rumors hint of war. The Y...
145 Old Man Shadow
30 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
King Lear – Act I scene 5 – Stuck waiting to leave, not even the fool's jokes can keep doubt and fear from creeping into Lear's thoughts. Featurin...
144 Serpent's Tooth
10 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
King Lear – Act I scenes 3 & 4 – Goneril takes steps to remedy the burden of her father. A disguised Kent returns, and Lear's fool finally makes a...
143 You Bastard!
19 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
King Lear – Act I scene 2 – Edmund exposes his true nature, and eclipses his father Gloucester's trust in absent son Edgar, who eventually shows u...
142 Something From Nothing
29 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
King Lear – Act I scene 1 – The King has decided to retire and demands to know which of his daughters loves him the most, as he breaks apart the k...
141 Don't Fear the Lear
08 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
King Lear – We begin series number ten with an introduction to Shakespeare's hardcore tragedy about a King and his three daughters. We talk history,...
140 Twelfth Night
20 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Twelfth Night – The complete audio, uninterrupted by commentary Featuring: Matt Gordon, as Orsino – www.mattbgordon.com Eve Marie Mugar, as Viola...
139 The Wind and the Rain
14 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Twelfth Night – Act 5 scene 1 – It's the end, as all our characters come together in one frantic collision. O,time, make it fadge! Featuring: Matt...
138 Check Please
01 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Twelfth Night – Act 4 scene 1-3 – Sebastian is assaulted by Toby and Andrew. Malvolio endures torment by Sir Topas. Olivia finally gets her man......
137 Hold Thy Spleen
15 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Twelfth Night – Act 3 scene 4 – Olivia encounters a new suitor, as Malvolio shows us his cross-garters, and paths begin to cross. Featuring: Eve M...
136 A License of Ink
24 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Twelfth Night – Act 3 scene 2-3 – Andrew has had enough, and wants to go home, while Sebastian plays tourist.I have a bad feeling about this. Feat...
135 For Love of a Beard
03 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Twelfth Night – Act 3 scene 1 – Viola, as Cesario, returns to Olivia's garden, and is beset on all sides. Oh, the things we do for love and honor....
134 Trout Tickling
17 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Twelfth Night – Act 2 scene 5 – Maria sets the trap that will ensnare Malvolio, as Sir Toby, Fabian, and Andrew play the part of peanut gallery. F...
133 Pleasure in Pain
01 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Twelfth Night – Act 2 scene 4 – Orsino attempts to educate Cesario in the ways of women and relationships. Viola has something to say about that. ...
132 Literally Twelfth Night!
07 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Twelfth Night – Act 2 scene 3 – Crack open your favorite libalation, and come festefy yourself with the antilating antics of Sir Toby, Andrew, Fes...
131 Isn't It Bromantic
23 Dec 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Twelfth Night – Act 2 scene 1 & 2 – A twin is revealed, and Viola discovers that being a guy has only made matters worse. Featuring Eve Marie Muga...
130 What You Will
10 Dec 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Twelfth Night – Act 1 scene 5 – The Lady Olivia finally makes her appearance, as paths cross, personalities clash, and the prodigal fool returns. ...
129 Masques and Revels
13 Nov 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Twelfth Night – Act 1 scene 3 & 4 – Let misbehavior reign, as Sir Toby Belch, Maria, and Sir Andrew Aguecheek make their way into the play, while ...
128 Lost in Illyria
28 Oct 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Twelfth Night – Act 1 scene 1 & 2 – There's heartbreak in Illyria as we meet Duke Orsino and the shipwrecked Viola. Featuring Matt Gordon and Eve ...
127 The Balance of Excess
06 Oct 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Twelfth Night – Series number nine sheds the enormity of history, in favor of a comedy, where anything goes, as long as it's paid for. Brought to yo...
126 The Voice & Speech Episode
08 Sep 2014
Contributed by Lukas
A look at how to speak the speech, with a natural, balanced voice, and not bore the audience. Freeing the Natural Voice, by Kristin Linklater Speakin...
125 Un Aller Et Retour
08 Aug 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Henry V 5.0 - 5.2 – The battle of Agincourt may be over, but Henry has yet to face his greatest challenge: Winning the heart of Katherine of France....
124 Agincourt Conclu
21 Jul 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Henry V 4.7 - 4.8 – Time to end the bloody battle, count the dead, and bring out the gloves. National Theatre Live: King Lear Complete Works
123 Agincourt Commence
08 Jul 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Henry V 4.2 - 4.6 – Sunrise on Saint Crispin's day. Time to start the bloody battle! Hamlet, Prince of Denmark: A Novel
122 Toute La Nuit
14 Jun 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Henry V 4.1 – We take a late-night, early-morning stroll with Henry, to clear our heads. No sleep 'til Agincourt! Chesapeake Shakespeare Company ...
121 Beaucoup De Bruit Pour Chevaux
23 May 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Henry V 3.7, 4.0 – In the long hours before battle, the French boast and play at wits, while the English contemplate their doom. NOW: In the Wings ...
120 Pardon Mes Français
05 May 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Henry V 3.4, 3.5, 3.6 – Katherine learns English, and the French vent their fury, while Henry and his army limp along toward Calais. What Makes a G...
119 Celebration 450!
23 Apr 2014
Contributed by Lukas
This is the episode where we celebrate Shakespeare's 450th birthday. Music Divertissement by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Shakespeare, Lincoln, an...
118 Les Disciplines de la Guerre
04 Apr 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Henry V 3.2, 3.3 – Some will shirk, while others fight, as the siege of Harfleur comes to an end. Richmond Shakespeare Festival
117 Allons-y! Allons-y!
19 Mar 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Henry V 3.0, 3.1 – With speed of thought we fly from the port, to sea, to France, to battle... and once more unto the breach! Henry V DVD Speak the...
116 Adieu l'Angleterre
01 Mar 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Henry V 2.3-2.4 – After one final visit to the old tavern in Eastcheap, we say farewell to England and bonjour to France, where King Charles VI prep...
115 Monstrous Treachery
04 Feb 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Henry V 2.2 – Unmasking betrayal proves easier than finding it's heart, as Henry deals with Cambridge, Scroop and Grey. Richard II encore The Third...
114 The Humour of it
10 Jan 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Henry V 2.0-2.1 – The youth of England may be hot for war, but before we follow the King to Southampton, we need to visit some old friends in Eastch...
113 It's a McGuffin!
21 Dec 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Henry V 1.2 – The Salic law issue is laid to rest, and the ambassadors from France bring a very special gift from the Dauphin to King Henry. Made o...
112 Cue the Muse
27 Nov 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Henry V 1.0-1.1 – Turns out, this play is full of actors only pretending to wage war. The Archbishop of Canterbury tries to save the church. Opening...
111 A Background of Division
11 Nov 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Henry V – We begin our 8th series with a little history, a touch of perspective, and a lot of strife, in an effort to have a great war! “The bless...
110 The Episode for Actors
23 Oct 2013
Contributed by Lukas
On this special episode we take an in depth look at the craft of acting Shakespeare; The tools, skills, and awareness you must develop in order to com...
109 Farewell Sack and Sugar
01 Oct 2013
Contributed by Lukas
2 Henry IV 5.1-5.5 – As the wayward prince sets aside his past in order to become the king, there's still a few loose ends to tie up and one final s...
108 Not Dead Yet
07 Sep 2013
Contributed by Lukas
2 Henry IV 4.3 – As the King's time comes to an end, Prince Hal gets caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Suddenly the future isn't looking so br...
107 John Gives Peace A Chance
20 Aug 2013
Contributed by Lukas
2 Henry IV 4.1-4.2 – Prince John invites the The Archbishop of York and crew to parley peace (oh look, there's wine!) and Falstaff arrives just in t...
106 Past is Prologue
01 Aug 2013
Contributed by Lukas
2 Henry IV 3.1-3.2 – King Henry finally appears in his own play, while Falstaff travels out into the country––taking the long road to York––...
105 Boar's Head Redux
10 Jul 2013
Contributed by Lukas
2 Henry IV 2.4 – Romance is ripe, back in our favorite tavern, as Falstaff and Doll Tearsheet while away the evening. At some point a Pistol will go...
104 In Hotspur's Shadow
29 Jun 2013
Contributed by Lukas
2 Henry IV 2.3 – Northumberland is about to join forces with the rebels against the King, but his wife and the Lady Percy have other ideas. Spoiler:...
103 Road to Ruin
16 Jun 2013
Contributed by Lukas
2 Henry IV 2.1 - 2.2 – Hostess Quickly attempts to reclaim a debt from Falstaff. Prince Hal unceremoniously wonders back into the play. Much Ado Ab...
102 Fillip Me With A Three-Man Beetle
29 May 2013
Contributed by Lukas
2 Henry IV 1.2 - 1.3 – Things are looking pretty bleak for the realm as Falstaff waddles back into our lives along with a whole new batch of rebels....
101 House of a Thousand Windows
11 May 2013
Contributed by Lukas
2 Henry IV Prologue-1.1 – We jump back into the unstable world of Henry IV as the slanderous tongue of Rumour works its way through the land and int...
100 An Hundred Times
12 Apr 2013
Contributed by Lukas
We celebrate our 100th episode with email, a brief history of theatre- maybe a little Henry VIII- and much more! Hal an Tow, by Damh the Bard, courtes...
99 Food for Worms
25 Mar 2013
Contributed by Lukas
1 Henry IV 5.3 - 5.5 – The Battle of Shrewsbury begins! Before it all ends, we'll get more wisdom from Falstaff, and witness the inevitable confront...
98 A Trim Reckoning
09 Mar 2013
Contributed by Lukas
1 Henry IV 4.4 - 5.2 – King Henry meets with Worcester to negotiate a peace, even as sinister forces foreshadow future events. Falstaff teaches us a...
97 Road to Shrewsbury
20 Feb 2013
Contributed by Lukas
1 Henry IV 4.1 - 4.3 – Hotspur is beset with setbacks, Falstaff makes some coin, and Henry offers an olive branch. Richard Needs a Y… Shakespeare...
96 Eastcheap State of Mind
30 Jan 2013
Contributed by Lukas
1 Henry IV 3.3 – We make one last stop at the tavern, to enlist the mighty Falstaff, and then it's off to the wars! Ragged Crow, by the Dust Rhinos,...
95 Curbing the Cub
12 Jan 2013
Contributed by Lukas
1 Henry IV 3.2 – At long last, Prince Hal comes face to face with his father. Busted! A Dozen Bloody Roses, by Dust Rhinos, courtesy of music.mevio....
94 Don't Poke the Dragon
19 Dec 2012
Contributed by Lukas
1 Henry IV 3.1 – The rebels gather to carve up a kingdom, but find themselves in pieces if they can't rein in the fiery Hotspur. Procession, by Jill...
93 If the Tavern's a Rock'n, Don't Come a Knock'n
03 Dec 2012
Contributed by Lukas
1 Henry IV 2.4 – Back in the seedy embrace of Eastcheap, there's time for one last hurrah, before war descends. Come join us for a drink or twenty. ...
92 No Time for Love, Lady Percy
17 Nov 2012
Contributed by Lukas
1 Henry IV 2.3 – As Hotspur prepares for rebellion he is distracted by his wife, the lady percy. Special guest Heather Ordover helps turn up the hea...
91 Trick or Treat
29 Oct 2012
Contributed by Lukas
1 Henry IV 2.1-2.2 – Falstaff and his crew rise early for some villainous fun and games. Judge or Jury, by The Kings of Nuthin, courtesy of music.me...
90 Hotspur in the House! Holla!
14 Oct 2012
Contributed by Lukas
1 Henry IV 1.3 – If the King thought he had a problem with his son, wait 'til he deals with the Percy family: Northumberland, Worcester and Hotspur....
89 Hal and the Fat Man
17 Sep 2012
Contributed by Lukas
1 Henry IV 1.2 – A round of sack for everyone as we meet our wayward prince, Hal and his dissolute and debauched friend, Sir John Falstaff. Just Can...
88 Shaken Not Stirred
04 Sep 2012
Contributed by Lukas
1 Henry IV – Pre show/ 1.1 – We prepare for our sixth series, and find good old King Henry IV off to a halting start. Sally Brown, by Dust Rhinos,...
87 Laying Richard to Rest
04 Aug 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Richard II – To conclude this series, another discussion with poet and playwright, G.Robin Smith, about this most excellent and infectious play. Be...
86 Anointed in Blood
15 Jul 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Richard II Act 5 scene 5-6 – While Richard waxes philosophic in his solitary prison, Henry takes on the burdens of being King. Shakespeare in Kabul...
85 A Serpent Within
30 Jun 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Richard II Act 5 scene 2-3-4 – King Henry IV makes his first appearance, the Duke and Duchess of York squabble over their treacherous son Aumerle, a...
84 Weep the Fire Out
18 Jun 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Richard II Act 5 scene 1 – Farewell crown, and now, farewell Queen, as Richard says goodbye to his wife, Isabel. The Hollow Crow
83 Woeful Pageant
03 Jun 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Richard II Act 4 scene 1 – Bolingbroke, not yet King, has his hands full trying to solve the murder of Gloucester, get his hot-tempered lords in lin...
82 Rue in the Garden
21 May 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Richard II Act 3 scene 4 – The Queen (Isabel) is down in the dumps, as we learn about good horticulture, and get a harsh lesson in the dangers of sp...
81 Down, Down, Down!
06 May 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Richard II Act 3 scene 3 – Bolingbroke and Richard come face to face, like fire and water, to end this rebellious uprising.
80 Royal Meltdown
21 Apr 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Richard II Act 3 scene 1-2 – Time for Bushy and Green to face the music. Richard returns to England. We witness the mother of all tantrums. To join...
79 Lancaster Rising
09 Apr 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Richard II Act 2 scene 3-4 – He's back! He's Back! Bolingbroke is back! But what does he intend? Tracey’s review of Anonymous
78 Run Away! Run Away!
26 Mar 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Richard II Act 2 scene 2 – The Queen is very sad, and- OMG! Bolingbroke has landed at Ravenspurgh! He's back! What do we do... what do we do?
77 Degenerate Dick
10 Mar 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Richard II Act 2 scene 1 – Bad news: John of Gaunt is dying while the country withers in shame. Good News: Richard has now found a way to pay for hi...
76 The Breath of Kings
25 Feb 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Richard II Act I scene 3-4 – Bolingbroke and Mowbray prepare to engage in mortal combat. That odor you smell isn't horse- it's Bushy, Bagot and Gree...
75 The Lion Rampant
10 Feb 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Richard II Act I scene 1-2 – Blood must answer for blood, as Richard tries in vain to tame two of his "leopards", and an old Duchess cries out for v...
74 Condemned to Repeat
28 Jan 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Richard II pre show - We begin our 5th series with an epic battle between the forces of history, vs. the pen of Shakespeare... sorry History, you lose...
73 Willing Expansion of Belief
13 Jan 2012
Contributed by Lukas
It's the Iambic Pentameter episode, where guest G.Robin and I discuss the heartbeat of shakespeare's verse. Hold On, by Tom Waits, courtesy of music.m...
72 Closing Accounts
01 Dec 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Macbeth 5.4-5.9 – The blood of innocence is not spilt without a heavy price to be paid, and Macbeth has worked up quite a tab. It's time to face the...