Chop Bard

Othello – Act I scene 3

A Turkish fleet heads for Cyprus. Othello tells a love story. Desdemona speaks her mind. Iago makes a plan.

Othello – Act I scene 2

The newly married Othello is warned against the threat of his father-in-law, and urgently sought after by two search parties.

Othello – Act I scene 1

Iago sets out to make life miserable for the Moor of Venice, with the unwitting help of Roderigo.

Othello – Introduction

We begin our 20th series with some first impressions, a rundown of our methods, a list of resources, some history, and what to expect from one of Shakespeare's greatest tragedies.

Julius Caesar – Act V scene 2-5 
On the fields of Philippi the final battle rages, and Caesar is revenged.

Julius Caesar – Act V scene 1

The apposing armies meet at Philippi, but before the fight there must be words.

Julius Caesar – Act IV scene 3

Tension between Brutus and Cassius erupts, there's news of Portia, and Caesar makes an appearance.

Julius Caesar – Act IV scene 1, 2

Both sides begin to shape and gather their forces in a divided Rome.

Julius Caesar – Act III scene 2, 3

Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.

Julius Caesar – Act III scene 1

Caesar, escorted by his friends, arrives at his destiny.

Julius Caesar – Act II scene 2, 3, 4

Calphurnia's dreams add to Caesar's Delma, as friends and foes hang in the balance.

Julius Caesar – Act II scene 2, 3, 4

Calphurnia's dreams add to Caesar's Delma, as friends and foes hang in the balance.

Julius Caesar – Act II scene 1 

Brutus comes to a bloody conclusion, the faction against Caesar is set in motion, and Portia demands answers.

Julius Caesar – Act II scene 1 

Brutus comes to a bloody conclusion, the faction against Caesar is set in motion, and Portia demands answers.

Julius Caesar – Act I scene 3

Cassius finds inspiration in a violent storm, and another ally in the night.

Julius Caesar – Act I scene 2

Caesar is given a warning, Brutus has private thoughts, Cassius airs some grievances, and Casca tells us what happened.

Julius Caesar – Act I scene 1

 A group of citizens are scolded for celebrating Caesar's triumph.

Julius Caesar – Introduction

Brief history of Julius Caesar, events leading up to the beginning of the play, our ways and means of analyzing, and some ideas about why this play feels so weird.

Much Ado About Nothing – Act V scene 2, 3, 4

Benedick is boastful, Beatrice too witty, Hero too innocent, Claudio's a fool, yet love finds a way to work it all out.

Much Ado About Nothing – Act V scene 1

Claudio and the Prince are confronted with opposition and catastrophe.

Much Ado About Nothing – Act IV scene 2

Dogberry goes about to examine the malefactors in the eftest way.

Much Ado About Nothing – Act IV scene 1

The worst wedding, two confessions of love, and a promise of death.

Much Ado About Nothing – Act III, scene 4, 5

Hero prepares for her wedding, Beatrice isn't feeling so hot, Dogberry and Verges have it handled.

Much Ado About Nothing – Act III, scene 3

 It's the night before the wedding as the watch receive their instructions and try to keep the peace.

Much Ado About Nothing – Act III, scene 2 
Benedick undergoes a transformation, and Don John sows doubt.

Much Ado About Nothing – Act III, scene 1
Beatrice hears some unexpected gossip.

Much Ado About Nothing – Act II, scene 2, 3

Don John finds another way, while Benedick is made sport of.

Much Ado About Nothing – Act II, scene 1

In the midst of a clever dance we encounter witty word play, misconceptions, and a new challenge.

Much Ado About Nothing – Act I, scene 2, 3 

Leonato is misinformed by his brother, and Don John wants to bite.

Much Ado About Nothing – Act I, scene 1

Don Pedro, the Prince of Aragon, has come to visit the house of Leonato, governor of Messina. A cast of colorful characters is introduced.

Much Ado About Nothing – Into

An introduction to our series on Much Ado About Nothing where we talk history, structure, and the building blocks of comedy.

As You Like It – Act V, scene 3 and 4

Exiles and rustics gather to witness some magic and promised marriages.

As You Like It – Act V, scene 1 and 2

Touchstone confronts a rival lover, and Rosalind promises a miracle.

As You Like It – Act IV, scene 2 and 3

Silvius delivers Phoebe's letter, and Oliver finds Ganymede and Aliena.

As You Like It – Act IV, scene 1

Ganymede attempts to cure Orlando, which sinks Rosalind deeper in love.

As You Like It – Act III, scene 5

Rosalind inserts herself into a pageant of disharmony, and only makes things worse.

As You Like It – Act III, scene 3 & 4 – Even a goat knows that love can turn a person into a fool but won't make a fool personable.

As You Like It – Act III scene 1 & 2

Oliver is uprooted from his comfy life, as words abound in the forest.

As You Like It – Act II, scene 6 & 7

Unexpected encounters in the forest, as if life were a play.

As You Like It – Act II, scene 4 & 5

Rosalind, Celia, and Touchstone arrive in the forest. Jaques offers a dissenting note.