Titus Andronicus: Breaking it Down

by NapaShakes Dramaturg Dr. Philippa Kelly A WAR: Titus Andronicus begins with the death of the emperor of Rome, right at the same time that Titus, Rome’s warrior, arrives home from a successful battle against the Goths. Titus brings with him as prisoners Tamora, the Queen of the Goths, and her three…

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Shakespeare on Sleeping with a Stranger

“Would you have sex with a stranger to save your brother’s life?” NapaShakes Dramaturg Dr. Philippa Kelly’s cheeky take on “Measure for Measure” Would you have sex with a stranger to save your brother’s life? This is the question Shakespeare throws at Isabella, a Catholic novitiate, in the most famous…

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Shared Passions: Measure for Measure & Dido and Aeneas

Both Measure for Measure and Dido and Aeneas dramatize the conflict between public duty and private passion. Angelo’s commitment to Vienna is tested by his lust for the virtuous Isabella, while Dido’s passion for Aeneas threatens her rule of Carthage and delays his destiny as the founder of Rome. Indecent…

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All About Derek Jacobi

Read about Sir Derek Jacobi, coming to NapaShakes in the premiere of Measure + Dido in September Derek Jacobi, one of England’s most beloved and respected stage actors, has been acting for nearly 60 years and is more in demand now than ever. Having recently completed a scene-stealing run as…

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