For as long as the Shakespeare play has been staged, it’s been referencing contemporary political leaders.

Celebrities are celestial because of Shakespeare. And because of Chaucer. And because of the weird workings of the movie camera.

The qualities for which live theater is celebrated—audiences responding with laughter, tears, gasps, and coughs—accelerate its danger. But the Broadway shutdown could be good for plays.

Comparing the series finale to Shakespeare, Moby-Dick, and ... Curious George?

To speculate about the authorship of Shakespeare’s plays is to pursue conspiracy theories—and in this case, to obscure a sea change in how directors, actors, and audiences understand his depiction of women.

Plus: Did Shakespeare predict the Slap?

A new off-Broadway production masterfully recasts the playwright as the villain of “The Merchant of Venice”