Shakespeare's Original Rom-Com: Much Ado About Nothing

This week, we take a break from Greece for our monthly Shakespeare and turn to Much Ado About Nothing, a play I found completely charming.

After a quick trip through the plot, I compare Much Ado with last month’s As You Like It: the different ways Shakespeare moves the action along, the surprising darkness lurking inside his comedies, and the very different themes he manages to explore while still making us laugh. We’ll also look at one unexpectedly moving speech about grief that stopped me in my tracks.

Finally, I talk about Kenneth Branagh’s gorgeous 1993 film adaptation, featuring Emma Thompson, Denzel Washington, a very young Kate Beckinsale—and, fresh off his iconic Point Break role, Keanu Reeves!

If Shakespeare makes you nervous, this funny, accessible play might be a very good place to start. And if you're tired of the comedy, come back next week for everyone's favorite Shakespeare for Halloween: Macbeth!

BOOKS IN THIS EPISODE

Folgers Library Editions of As You Like It, Much Ado About Nothing, Henry V, Hamlet, King Lear, and Macbeth.

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