Jonathan Miller discusses Shakespeare. Includes Feste's song "Hey, ho, the Wind and Rain" sung by Alfred Deller. Includes a clip from Jonathan Miller as Bertrand Russell.

According to Henry Kneplers book, " The Gilded Stage," back in the 1600's, highly regarded women were either actresses on the stage or they were aristocrats or nobility. Knepler said the role of primary grade school teachers were women. Currently, there's some discrimination going on, as Knepler pointed out that one never sees a male airline stewardess.

Power, the misuse of power and the hollowness of one's heart and soul are the main themes covered by Helene Rosenberg. In Shakespeare's plays, the higher one rises in power, mortality can not be escaped and he will fall into the depths of hell. Justice, law and order, one's own being versus having (things) are also discussed.

Eva Le Gallienne discusses and compares American theater and European theater. She also discusses different playwrights such as Henrik Johan Ipsen and Anton Chekhov.

Elaine Rosenberg discusses the life and career of Edith Piaf.

Dr. Theodor Rosebury discusses the history and myths of communicable and sexually transmitted infections, how they are represented in media, and the impact of shame.

Dennis Brutus discusses and reads his poetry. He discusses life in South Africa. Dennis Brutus reads poems from his books of poetry "Sirens, Knuckles and Boots", "A Simple Lust", and "Letters to Martha and Other Poems from a South African Prison". Includes music in the beginning. Includes a clip of Albert Lutuli speaking.

Bill Russo talks about the commedia dell'arte production being staged at the Center for New Music at Columbia College Chicago. The production includes two pieces, "Pedrolino's Revenge" and "Isabella's Fortune".

Anna Deavere Smith discusses and demonstrates her unique character portrayals from her works "Fires in the Mirror" and "Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992."

Alfred Alvarez, poet and author, talks about his new book, "The Savage God," and how depression and suicide affects people. He talks about his past experience with his friend Sylvia Plath and the end of her life. The two men also discuss the history of suicide including the Greeks, Judas, Middle Ages, and the Renaissance. Alvarez also talks about famous artists who have committed suicide and why the 20th century may have caused so many suicides. Alvarez reads the opening passage and epilogue of his book.

Author, professor, and John Keats biographer, Aileen Ward, discusses and reads from the biography “John Keats: The Making of a Poet.” Ward discusses Keats’ schooling, his relationship with Fanny Brawne, and Keats’ work in comparison to his contemporaries such as Percy Bysshe Shelley. Ward reads Keats’ 1818 poem entitled “Isabella, or the Pot of Basil.” Studs plays a recording of Ralph Richardson reading Keats’ 1819 poem “Ode on a Grecian Urn.”

A. L. Rowse relates Shakespeare to modern day sensibilities, reads sonnets, and discusses Elizabethan cultural norms. Studs plays “Heigh Ho, the Wind and the Rain (Twelfth Night)" - Alfred Deller and Desmond Dupré, “Oh Mistress Mine” - Alfred Deller, and “Alas, My Love You Do Me Wrong/Greensleeves” - Alfred Deller.