In this bonus episode of "Will: What is He Good For?", hosts Victoria Gomez Wood and William Downes sit down with Rachel Purcell Fountain, the director of Classics on the Rocks' upcoming summer 2024 production of "The Merry Wives of Windsor." The trio delves into the unique challenges and exciting elements of bringing this beloved Shakespearean comedy to life. Rachel shares her vision for the production and the ways in which modern audiences can connect with the humor and themes of the play. Listen in to learn more and save the date - July 18, 19, and 20th in NYC - to see The Merry Wives of Windsor!

Over the past several episodes, we've explored some of the common themes presented in Shakespeare's married couples that hint at how he felt about marriage.

1. In Julius Caesar, Calpurnia and Portia are clear examples of what happens when you don't listen to your wife.
2. From Portia and Bassanio to Jessica and Lorenzo in Merchant of Venice - marriage doesn't guarantee a happily ever after - but in finding common ground and a shared vision for life with your partner - happiness is within reach.
3. As demonstrated by Kate and Petruchio, marriage is a partnership and requires teamwork as you play the game of life.

There is one more concept that appears in Shakespeare's plays frequently from his most famous couples to those lesser known. Trust.

Trust and respect is pivotal in nearly all relationships in Shakespeare, and he offers some pretty drastic consequences for letting a marriage break.

Today, we’ll look at two plays that sum up what we feel his perspective on marriage may have been... Macbeth and The Winter's Tale.

Most of this season we have attempted to give new perspective to the traditional narrative that Shakespeare viewed marriage negatively having been forced into marriage in his personal life. We have even come dangerously close to calling him a feminist. In this episode, we double down and talk about what most would call his least progressive and most misogynistic play, Taming of the Shrew.