WYW Season 1

  • What You Will: A Queer-er Shakespeare (S1 Finale)

    Season notes: violence, sexism, internalized homophobia It was late morning when the duke had sought his bed (allowing Cesario, Curio, and Valentine to do the same). Not until evening did the fool finally answer the summons to the duke’s court. “O, fellow, come, the song we had last night.” The duke greeted him eagerly. “Mark…

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  • What You Will (S1 E11)

    Season notes: violence, sexism After Malvolio left, Sir Toby, Sir Andrew, the fool, and Maria stared after him a moment. Then, “Go shake your ears,” Maria growled after him. The others laughed, and Sir Toby and Sir Andrew began trading comments about the steward. In a few moments, Sir Andrew was ready to go issue…

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  • What You Will (S1 E10)

    Content notes: violence, sexism, internalized transphobia It was late — so late it was early, or so Sir Toby claimed — when he and Sir Andrew came staggering back into the manor. Sir Toby closed the door with exaggerated care, an effort immediately wasted as Sir Andrew walked right into the coat rack and knocked…

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  • What You Will (A Queer-er Shakespeare): S1 E9

    Season notes: violence, sexism, internalized transphobia Olivia paced the sitting room, replaying the odd audience that had just ended. “‘What is your parentage?’ ‘Above my fortunes, yet my state is well: I am a gentleman.’ I’ll be sworn thou art.” She shook her head, unable to banish the image of the impudent man from her…

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  • What You Will (S1 E8): A Queer-er Shakespeare

    Season notes: violence, sexism Some miles south of that place, in another seacoast town, a man long ill from swallowing an excess of saltwater was finally recovered. He sat at a rough wooden table in the small rented room. The inn catered to sailors needing a place to stay between voyages and had not been…

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  • What You Will (S1, E7): A Queer-er Shakespeare

    Season notes: violence, sexism Maria stood and crossed to the door. “Will you hoist sail, sir? here lies your way.” “No.” Viola’s voice was weak, her boldness again wilting. She took hold of herself. As she had in many a past prank, she disguised herself behind her brother’s mien. “No, good swabber; I am to…

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  • What You Will (S1 E6): A Queer-er Shakespeare

    Season notes: violence, sexism As the fool left, Malvolio re-entered wearing a deep scowl. “Madam, yon young fellow swears he will speak with you. I told him you were sick; he takes on him to understand so much, and therefore comes to speak with you. I told him you were asleep; he seems to have…

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  • What You Will: A Queer-er Shakespeare, (S1, E5)

    Season notes: violence, sexism The fool, wrapped in a sheet styled as a nun’s habit, clasped his hands and bowed low as Olivia entered with her steward, Malvolio. “God bless thee, lady!” he called in a high-pitched twangy voice. Olivia rolled her eyes and waved dismissal. “Take the fool away.” Jumping up, the fool rounded…

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  • What You Will (S1, E4)

    Season notes: violence, sexism It was not suspicion in Valentine’s eyes, though perhaps something close akin when he examined the newest member of the Duke’s court. “If the duke continue these favors towards you, Cesario, you are like to be much advanced: he hath known you but three days, and already you are no stranger.”…

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  • What You Will — A Queer-er Shakespeare (S1, E3)

    Season notes: violence, sexism It was well into the dark of night when a short ruddy-cheeked man came stumbling through the kitchen door of Countess Olivia’s manor and nearly tripped over the grim woman in livery who waited for him. The man, barely noticing in his drunken ramble, continued a long-running (and oft-repeated) rant. “What…

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