Challenge III – My Audio School

July 7, 2016July 7, 2016

Meno by Plato, translated by Benjamin Jowett

Meno (Ancient Greek: ?????) is a Socratic dialogue written by Plato. Written in the Socratic dialectic style, it attempts to determine the definition of virtue, or arete, meaning in this case virtue in general, rather than particular virtues, such as justice or temperance. The goal is a common definition that applies equally to all particular virtues. Socrates moves the discussion past the philosophical confusion, or aporia, created by Meno’s paradox (aka the learner’s paradox) with the introduction of new Platonic ideas: the theory of knowledge as recollection, anamnesis, and in the final lines a movement towards Platonic idealism.. (Introduction by Wikipedia)

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Run time: 2 hours, 24 minutes

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1 – Meno

2 – On the Ideas of Plato

3 – Part 1 of the Dialogs of Meno

4 – Part 2 of the Dialogs of Meno

July 7, 2016

Henry V by William Shakespeare

Queen Katherine of France by Laura T. Alma-Tadema

After the turmoil and uncertainty of Henry IV a new era appears to dawn for England with the accession of the eponymous Henry V. In this sunny pageant Chorus guides us along Henry’s glittering carpet ride of success as the new king completes his transformation from rebellious wastrel to a truly regal potentate. Of course, there is an underlying feeling that the good times won’t last, and this is all the more reason to enjoy the Indian summer before the protracted and bitter fall of the house of Lancaster. (Introduction by Algy Pug for Librivox)

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Run time: 3 hours, 4 minutes

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July 7, 2016July 7, 2016

The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare

Macbeth is a play written by William Shakespeare. It is considered one of his darkest and most powerful tragedies. Set in Scotland, the play dramatizes the corroding psychological and political effects produced when its protagonist, the Scottish lord Macbeth, chooses evil as the way to fulfill his ambition for power. He commits regicide to become king and then furthers his moral descent with a reign of murderous terror to stay in power, eventually plunging the country into civil war. In the end, he loses everything that gives meaning and purpose to his life before losing his life itself. (Summary by Wikipedia)

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Dramatis Personae and Act 1

July 7, 2016July 7, 2016

Orson Welles Julius Caesar radio theater

Julius Caesar

July 7, 2016July 7, 2016

Orson Welles Hamlet radio theater

Hamlet, Act IV scene V, Ophelia before the King and Queen

Hamlet part 1

Hamlet part 2

April 10, 2015July 5, 2016

Hamlet by Shakespeare, simplified for school children and baffled adults

Hamlet by Shakespeare, simplified for school children?by Shakespeare Lynch Multimedia is performed by Michael Matus.

Description from iTunes:

Shakespeare made easier for schoolchildren and baffled adults with an easy to understand narrative adaptation and parallel text with the original. Why adapt Shakespeare? Well, it’s hard! A lot of actors in Shakespeare productions can act it, confusing audiences. A lot of teachers can’t teach it, confusing pupils. A lot of parents lack confidence helping with homework. This is for students of all ages and parents, too. The purpose is to make Shakespeare comprehensible and accessible. Shakespeare is the greatest of writers, for that reason everyone must attempt to grasp his genius. Read the original first and then consult this adaptation to help you. Use this as an aid. The poetry of the original cannot be matched. The action of Book One, Chapter 1 corresponds with Act One, Scene 1, (for the podcasts Episode 1 is 1-1) and so on This recording of Hamlet is read by Michael Matus, who has acted extensively with the RSC and will be appearing at the Globe in London during the Summer 2008 season.

April 10, 2015May 13, 2018

Orson Welles Shakespeare Collection

Click here to stream individual episodes of the Orson Welles Shakespeare collection, or to download all the episodes.

This collection of early Orson Welles radio theater productions includes the following plays.

Hamlet

Julius Caesar

Twelfth Night

The Merchant of Venice

Macbeth

Henry ?V

Romeo and Juliet

Richard III

Richard II

King Lear

June 6, 2012July 7, 2016

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare

Summary: Written around the middle of his career, Much Ado About Nothing is one of Shakespeare’s great festive comedies. The men are back from the war, and everyone is ready for romance. The dashing young Claudio falls for Hero, the daughter of Leonato, governor of Messina, and his friend Don Pedro helps him secure her affection. These youthful lovers are contrasted with the more experienced (and more cynical) Benedick and Beatrice, who have to be tricked into falling in love. Don Pedro’s brother, Don John, provides the intrigue, and the dimwitted constable Dogberry provides the laughs. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett for Librivox)

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Click here to see downloadable CurrClick materials which could be used in a study of Shakespeare. Clicking this link will take you away from My Audio School.

Total running time: 2 hours, 17 minutes

May 31, 2011July 5, 2016

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

Summary: William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, based on true events, concerns the conspiracy against Julius Caesar, his assassination in 44 BC, and its immediate aftermath. Probably written in 1599 and among the first of Shakespeare’s plays to be performed at the Globe Theater, Julius Caesar is one of his best-known dramas and has received innumerable performances throughout the centuries. (Summary by Laurie Anne Walden after Wikipedia)

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Click here to see downloadable CurrClick materials which could be used in a study of Shakespeare. Clicking this link will take you away from My Audio School.

To hear this drama, click play in the box below or click on the chapter links.

Total running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes

January 3, 2010July 5, 2016

Hamlet by William Shakespeare

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Click here to see downloadable CurrClick materials which could be used in a study of Shakespeare. Clicking this link will take you away from My Audio School.

Click here to see the list of cast members.

To listen, click play in the box below or click on the chapter links.

Summary from Librivox: Hamlet is commonly regarded as one of the greatest plays ever written. Drawing on Danish chronicles and the Elizabethan vogue for revenge tragedy, Shakespeare created a play that is at once a philosophic treatise, a family drama, and a supernatural thriller. In the wake of his father’s death, Prince Hamlet finds that his Uncle Claudius has swiftly taken the throne and married his mother, Queen Gertrude. The ghost of the dead king then appears and charges Claudius with ‘murder most foul.’ Hamlet is called to revenge his father’s death: but will he be able to act before it is too late?