Why did Shakespeare write ‘Troilus and Cressida’?: A Conversation with Rachel Aanstad
Episode 202:
For today’s guest episode it is a very warm welcome back to Racheal Aanstad. You will remember that Racheal and I have discussed Twelfth Night and A Midsummer Night’s Dream on the podcast and now she returns to discuss ‘Troilus and Cressida’. As you will hear Racheal was able to bring thoughts about the history of the play and it’s sources, particularly Homer’s Iliad, which, I think, really enhances our understanding of this challenging play.
Rachel Aanstad is a writer, artist, historian, and Shakespeare nerd with an MFA in theatre. She is the former Artistic Director of the Rose City Shakespeare Company and the author of A Bawdy Twelfth Night or What You Will Encyclopaedia & Dramaturgical Handbook and A Midsummer Night’s Dream Illustrated Handbook and Encyclopaedia. She lives in the Pacific Northwest from where I spoke to her over a zoom call.
Link to Shakespeare and Friends on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Shakespeareandfriends
Link to A Bawdy Twelfth Night UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Encyclopedia-Dramaturgical-Shakespearean-Encyclopedias-Handbooks/dp/B0BT2DZGTK/ref=sr_1_1
Link to A Bawdy Twelfth Night USA: https://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Dramaturgical-Shakespearean-Encyclopedias-Handbooks/dp/B0BT2DZGTK/ref=sr_1_1
Link to Midsummer Nights Dream UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Midsummer-Nights-Illustrated-Handbook-Encyclopedia/dp/B09PKSTL1S
Link to Midsummer Nights Dream USA: https://www.amazon.com/Midsummer-Nights-Illustrated-Handbook-Encyclopedia/dp/B09PKSTL1S
Link to Marquee TV RSC Production: https://marquee.tv/videos/royal-shakespeare-troilus-cressida
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R. K. Aanstad is a writer, artist, historian and Shakespeare nerd. She has an MFA in theatre and is the former Artistic Director of Rose City Shakespeare Company. She lives in the Pacific Northwest surrounded by books, cats, and silly little dogs. She writes books about Shakespeare’s plays including 'A Bawdy Twelfth Night or What You Will Encyclopedia & Dramaturgical Handbook' and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream Illustrated Handbook and Encyclopedia'. She is currently writing Shakespeare’s Influences for Pen and Sword to be published in 2026.