Web Series Wednesday – Shakespeare Republic

By: Spring Marie Cullen

WHAT? Shakespeare Republic

BY: Incognita Enterprises

WHY SHOULD I WATCH?

Shakespeare Republic is an anthology series that turns the playwright’s classics on their head. By embracing diversity and bringing the traditional text into a more contemporary world, creator Sally McLean set out to engage new audiences and make Shakespeare more accessible to those who’ve shied away from his works before. The newest season, cleverly subtitled “The Lockdown Chronicles,” features some of Shakespeare’s most popular characters living through the global pandemic, shot with actors around the world.

Across twenty-four episodes, the season highlights Shakespeare’s greatest works and the simplicity of delivering the monologues alone in lockdown gave the actors an opportunity to really shine. Each actor felt made for their role, connecting with the Elizabethan text that’s notably difficult to portray and completely becoming their characters. It’s no surprise the series has been racking up awards and nominations across the globe.

There was a lot to love and even more to admire. I couldn’t believe how glued to my screen I was with each episode. Picking a favorite to write about was no easy task, but I’ve finally narrowed it down to two performances that really stuck in my mind. Two of my favorites came from two of Shakespeare’s most well-known plays. I absolutely adored Leo Atkin’s perfectly playful take on Puck from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. His laughter was infectious before growing sadder and ultimately ending in a sigh I know we all felt during the pandemic. Yolanda Ovide’s Juliet was beautiful. In a role that I’ve seen performed the most, she truly made the character her own, showcasing Juliet’s conflicted pain in a way unlike I’ve ever seen before. I’ve seen countless people play Juliet, but Ovide is one of the few who seemed to really understand her.

Any fan of Shakespeare will love this series, but as promised, the cast and crew behind Shakespeare Republic were able to produce short entertaining tales for all fans of theater. I’d also especially encourage any aspiring actors to give this series a watch because it’s some of the best Shakespeare I’ve ever seen put on and in a creative and timely way.

WHERE CAN I WATCH? Episodes are available here.

Follow on Social Media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShakesRepublic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shakespearerepublic/

Website: http://shakespearerepublic.com/