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Curious Minds: Shakespeare

9 episodes 93%4KCC

Inside the theaters, texts, and mysteries behind Shakespeare's lasting power.

Explore how Shakespeare's works gained extraordinary cultural influence, from the spoken energy of early theater to the prestige of the 1623 First Folio. This series also examines the mystery of his creativity, including collaboration, borrowing, and the language that captivated audiences across social classes. Sign up to see why his genius still invites fresh questions.

Episode guide

9 episodes
1
1Dost Thou Tweet?
Michael Witmore, Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library, describes how a love of clever language unites Shakespeare's audiences with Twitter users.
2 min
2
2In The Vault With Will
Michael Witmore, Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library, describes how the world's largest collection of Shakespeare materials lies protected in a bank like vault.
2 min
3
3Shakespeare's Creativity
Michael Witmore, Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library, regards Shakespeare's genius as a deep and abiding mystery.
1 min
4
4Shakespeare's Media Wave
Michael Witmore, Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library, sees a parallel between modern media and the emergence of public theatre in Shakespeare's time.
1 min
5
5The Thief Of Stratford
Shakespeare worked with and borrowed from other writers, submits Michael Witmore, Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library.
1 min
6
6The Two Faces Of Will
Shakespeare dared to appeal to audiences both common and elite, says Michael Witmore, Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library.
1 min
7
7Whores... Or Shakespeare?
Shakespeare's plays were among the many amusements available to Londoners in 1600, explains Michael Witmore, Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library.
1 min
8
8You Are Hamlet
For Michael Witmore, Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library, Shakespeare's characters embody the mystery of human behavior.
2 min
9
9You Are Quoting From This Book
Michael Witmore, Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library, explains how the first folio of 1623 "gave the world Shakespeare."
1 min
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