Red Bull Theater Podcast

Evan Yionoulis | 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.

Shirine Babb | Red Bull Theater Podcast

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.

Robert Cuccioli & Laila Robins | Red Bull Theater Podcast

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)

Carl Cofield | Red Bull Theater Podcast

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.

André De Shields | Red Bull Theater Podcast

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)