<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:podcast="https://podcastindex.org/namespace/1.0" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" version="2.0"><channel><title>Esther</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/esther--7168124</link><description><![CDATA[Immerse yourself in a tapestry of courage, sacrifice, and divine intervention as we explore the theme of Esther in this captivating podcast. Each episode features a new complete audiobook, delving into narratives that reflect the strength of women, the complexities of leadership, and the moral dilemmas faced in times of crisis. Drawing inspiration from the timeless story of Esther, listeners are invited to reflect on the power of faith and resilience against the backdrop of historical and cultural struggles. This is not a single story but a series of unique explorations that highlight the human spirit's capacity for hope and redemption. With every episode, discover a new book that resonates with the themes of bravery and justice, expanding your understanding of the enduring legacy of Esther's tale. Engage with diverse perspectives and narratives that continue to inspire and provoke thought across generations.]]></description><atom:link href="https://www.spreaker.com/show/7168124/episodes/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><language>en</language><category>Books</category><copyright>Copyright Tragedy Genre</copyright><image><url>https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/954c440d7bca44d01673868dbf1480b1.jpg</url><title>Esther</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/esther--7168124</link></image><lastBuildDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2026 09:20:15 +0000</lastBuildDate><itunes:author>Jean Racine</itunes:author><itunes:owner><itunes:name>Tragedy Genre</itunes:name><itunes:email>spreaker87@podcastlibrary.org</itunes:email></itunes:owner><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/954c440d7bca44d01673868dbf1480b1.jpg"/><itunes:subtitle>Immerse yourself in a tapestry of courage, sacrifice, and divine intervention as we explore the theme of Esther in this captivating podcast. Each episode features a new complete audiobook, delving into narratives that reflect the strength of women,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Immerse yourself in a tapestry of courage, sacrifice, and divine intervention as we explore the theme of Esther in this captivating podcast. Each episode features a new complete audiobook, delving into narratives that reflect the strength of women, the complexities of leadership, and the moral dilemmas faced in times of crisis. Drawing inspiration from the timeless story of Esther, listeners are invited to reflect on the power of faith and resilience against the backdrop of historical and cultural struggles. This is not a single story but a series of unique explorations that highlight the human spirit's capacity for hope and redemption. With every episode, discover a new book that resonates with the themes of bravery and justice, expanding your understanding of the enduring legacy of Esther's tale. Engage with diverse perspectives and narratives that continue to inspire and provoke thought across generations.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:category text="Arts"><itunes:category text="Books"/></itunes:category><itunes:category text="History"/><itunes:category text="Society &amp; Culture"/><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><podcast:guid>4e45c219-26ae-55a7-b433-fa2aafc4c9fe</podcast:guid><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><item><title>Great Galeoto-José Echegaray y Eizaguirre</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/great-galeoto-jose-echegaray-y-eizaguirre--74627482</link><description><![CDATA[Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for the heroine and her compatriots. It was composed by Racine when he was in his fiftieth year, and acted at the Maison de Saint Cyr in 1689. The incidents are in strict accordance with the Biblical narrative. In " Esther " Racine for the first time introduces a Chorus, as in the ancient Greek drama, whose songs set to music by Moreau gratefully relieved the monotony of the somewhat stilted dialogue. The unity of place is, moreover, observed less rigidly than usual, a change of scene (though still within the limits of the royal palace) accompanying the rise of the curtain for each of the three Acts. (Summary by the translator) Cast List Prologue(Piety): Alan Mapstone Esther(Queen of Persia): ShrimpPhish Ahasuerus(King of Persia): Algy Pug Mordecai: Alan Mapstone Haman: Papa Phish Zeresh: Inkell Hydaspes: Greg Giordano Asaph: Beeswaxcandle Elizabeth: Sonali Ekka A Jewish Maiden: Agnes Robert Behr Another Maiden: Inkell Another Maiden: Jessie Percival Youngest Maiden: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: Larry Wilson]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74627482</guid><pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 09:02:50 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74627482/great_galeoto_jose_echegaray_y_eizaguirre.mp3" length="85836423" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Jean Racine</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for the heroine and her compatriots. It was composed by Racine when he was in his fiftieth year, and acted at the Maison de Saint Cyr in 1689. The incidents are in strict accordance with the Biblical narrative. In " Esther " Racine for the first time introduces a Chorus, as in the ancient Greek drama, whose songs set to music by Moreau gratefully relieved the monotony of the somewhat stilted dialogue. The unity of place is, moreover, observed less rigidly than usual, a change of scene (though still within the limits of the royal palace) accompanying the rise of the curtain for each of the three Acts. (Summary by the translator) Cast List Prologue(Piety): Alan Mapstone Esther(Queen of Persia): ShrimpPhish Ahasuerus(King of Persia): Algy Pug Mordecai: Alan Mapstone Haman: Papa Phish Zeresh: Inkell Hydaspes: Greg Giordano Asaph: Beeswaxcandle Elizabeth: Sonali Ekka A Jewish Maiden: Agnes Robert Behr Another Maiden: Inkell Another Maiden: Jessie Percival Youngest Maiden: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: Larry Wilson]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>10719</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/954c440d7bca44d01673868dbf1480b1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Within and Without A Dramatic Poem-George MacDonald</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/within-and-without-a-dramatic-poem-george-macdonald--74595477</link><description><![CDATA[Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for the heroine and her compatriots. It was composed by Racine when he was in his fiftieth year, and acted at the Maison de Saint Cyr in 1689. The incidents are in strict accordance with the Biblical narrative. In " Esther " Racine for the first time introduces a Chorus, as in the ancient Greek drama, whose songs set to music by Moreau gratefully relieved the monotony of the somewhat stilted dialogue. The unity of place is, moreover, observed less rigidly than usual, a change of scene (though still within the limits of the royal palace) accompanying the rise of the curtain for each of the three Acts. (Summary by the translator) Cast List Prologue(Piety): Alan Mapstone Esther(Queen of Persia): ShrimpPhish Ahasuerus(King of Persia): Algy Pug Mordecai: Alan Mapstone Haman: Papa Phish Zeresh: Inkell Hydaspes: Greg Giordano Asaph: Beeswaxcandle Elizabeth: Sonali Ekka A Jewish Maiden: Agnes Robert Behr Another Maiden: Inkell Another Maiden: Jessie Percival Youngest Maiden: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: Larry Wilson]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74595477</guid><pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2026 09:03:08 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74595477/within_and_without_a_dramatic_poem_george_macdonald.mp3" length="128125605" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Jean Racine</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for the heroine and her compatriots. It was composed by Racine when he was in his fiftieth year, and acted at the Maison de Saint Cyr in 1689. The incidents are in strict accordance with the Biblical narrative. In " Esther " Racine for the first time introduces a Chorus, as in the ancient Greek drama, whose songs set to music by Moreau gratefully relieved the monotony of the somewhat stilted dialogue. The unity of place is, moreover, observed less rigidly than usual, a change of scene (though still within the limits of the royal palace) accompanying the rise of the curtain for each of the three Acts. (Summary by the translator) Cast List Prologue(Piety): Alan Mapstone Esther(Queen of Persia): ShrimpPhish Ahasuerus(King of Persia): Algy Pug Mordecai: Alan Mapstone Haman: Papa Phish Zeresh: Inkell Hydaspes: Greg Giordano Asaph: Beeswaxcandle Elizabeth: Sonali Ekka A Jewish Maiden: Agnes Robert Behr Another Maiden: Inkell Another Maiden: Jessie Percival Youngest Maiden: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: Larry Wilson]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>16000</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/954c440d7bca44d01673868dbf1480b1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>One-Act Play Collection 014-Various</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/one-act-play-collection-014-various--74563790</link><description><![CDATA[Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for the heroine and her compatriots. It was composed by Racine when he was in his fiftieth year, and acted at the Maison de Saint Cyr in 1689. The incidents are in strict accordance with the Biblical narrative. In " Esther " Racine for the first time introduces a Chorus, as in the ancient Greek drama, whose songs set to music by Moreau gratefully relieved the monotony of the somewhat stilted dialogue. The unity of place is, moreover, observed less rigidly than usual, a change of scene (though still within the limits of the royal palace) accompanying the rise of the curtain for each of the three Acts. (Summary by the translator) Cast List Prologue(Piety): Alan Mapstone Esther(Queen of Persia): ShrimpPhish Ahasuerus(King of Persia): Algy Pug Mordecai: Alan Mapstone Haman: Papa Phish Zeresh: Inkell Hydaspes: Greg Giordano Asaph: Beeswaxcandle Elizabeth: Sonali Ekka A Jewish Maiden: Agnes Robert Behr Another Maiden: Inkell Another Maiden: Jessie Percival Youngest Maiden: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: Larry Wilson]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74563790</guid><pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:02:46 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74563790/one_act_play_collection_014_various.mp3" length="163107132" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Jean Racine</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for the heroine and her compatriots. It was composed by Racine when he was in his fiftieth year, and acted at the Maison de Saint Cyr in 1689. The incidents are in strict accordance with the Biblical narrative. In " Esther " Racine for the first time introduces a Chorus, as in the ancient Greek drama, whose songs set to music by Moreau gratefully relieved the monotony of the somewhat stilted dialogue. The unity of place is, moreover, observed less rigidly than usual, a change of scene (though still within the limits of the royal palace) accompanying the rise of the curtain for each of the three Acts. (Summary by the translator) Cast List Prologue(Piety): Alan Mapstone Esther(Queen of Persia): ShrimpPhish Ahasuerus(King of Persia): Algy Pug Mordecai: Alan Mapstone Haman: Papa Phish Zeresh: Inkell Hydaspes: Greg Giordano Asaph: Beeswaxcandle Elizabeth: Sonali Ekka A Jewish Maiden: Agnes Robert Behr Another Maiden: Inkell Another Maiden: Jessie Percival Youngest Maiden: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: Larry Wilson]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>20367</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/954c440d7bca44d01673868dbf1480b1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Hernani-Victor Hugo</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/hernani-victor-hugo--74532819</link><description><![CDATA[Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for the heroine and her compatriots. It was composed by Racine when he was in his fiftieth year, and acted at the Maison de Saint Cyr in 1689. The incidents are in strict accordance with the Biblical narrative. In " Esther " Racine for the first time introduces a Chorus, as in the ancient Greek drama, whose songs set to music by Moreau gratefully relieved the monotony of the somewhat stilted dialogue. The unity of place is, moreover, observed less rigidly than usual, a change of scene (though still within the limits of the royal palace) accompanying the rise of the curtain for each of the three Acts. (Summary by the translator) Cast List Prologue(Piety): Alan Mapstone Esther(Queen of Persia): ShrimpPhish Ahasuerus(King of Persia): Algy Pug Mordecai: Alan Mapstone Haman: Papa Phish Zeresh: Inkell Hydaspes: Greg Giordano Asaph: Beeswaxcandle Elizabeth: Sonali Ekka A Jewish Maiden: Agnes Robert Behr Another Maiden: Inkell Another Maiden: Jessie Percival Youngest Maiden: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: Larry Wilson]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74532819</guid><pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:09:25 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74532819/hernani_victor_hugo.mp3" length="101602565" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Jean Racine</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for the heroine and her compatriots. It was composed by Racine when he was in his fiftieth year, and acted at the Maison de Saint Cyr in 1689. The incidents are in strict accordance with the Biblical narrative. In " Esther " Racine for the first time introduces a Chorus, as in the ancient Greek drama, whose songs set to music by Moreau gratefully relieved the monotony of the somewhat stilted dialogue. The unity of place is, moreover, observed less rigidly than usual, a change of scene (though still within the limits of the royal palace) accompanying the rise of the curtain for each of the three Acts. (Summary by the translator) Cast List Prologue(Piety): Alan Mapstone Esther(Queen of Persia): ShrimpPhish Ahasuerus(King of Persia): Algy Pug Mordecai: Alan Mapstone Haman: Papa Phish Zeresh: Inkell Hydaspes: Greg Giordano Asaph: Beeswaxcandle Elizabeth: Sonali Ekka A Jewish Maiden: Agnes Robert Behr Another Maiden: Inkell Another Maiden: Jessie Percival Youngest Maiden: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: Larry Wilson]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>12687</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/954c440d7bca44d01673868dbf1480b1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Shakuntala-Kalidasa</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/shakuntala-kalidasa--74502047</link><description><![CDATA[Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for the heroine and her compatriots. It was composed by Racine when he was in his fiftieth year, and acted at the Maison de Saint Cyr in 1689. The incidents are in strict accordance with the Biblical narrative. In " Esther " Racine for the first time introduces a Chorus, as in the ancient Greek drama, whose songs set to music by Moreau gratefully relieved the monotony of the somewhat stilted dialogue. The unity of place is, moreover, observed less rigidly than usual, a change of scene (though still within the limits of the royal palace) accompanying the rise of the curtain for each of the three Acts. (Summary by the translator) Cast List Prologue(Piety): Alan Mapstone Esther(Queen of Persia): ShrimpPhish Ahasuerus(King of Persia): Algy Pug Mordecai: Alan Mapstone Haman: Papa Phish Zeresh: Inkell Hydaspes: Greg Giordano Asaph: Beeswaxcandle Elizabeth: Sonali Ekka A Jewish Maiden: Agnes Robert Behr Another Maiden: Inkell Another Maiden: Jessie Percival Youngest Maiden: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: Larry Wilson]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74502047</guid><pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2026 09:08:43 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74502047/shakuntala_kalidasa.mp3" length="42115853" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Jean Racine</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for the heroine and her compatriots. It was composed by Racine when he was in his fiftieth year, and acted at the Maison de Saint Cyr in 1689. The incidents are in strict accordance with the Biblical narrative. In " Esther " Racine for the first time introduces a Chorus, as in the ancient Greek drama, whose songs set to music by Moreau gratefully relieved the monotony of the somewhat stilted dialogue. The unity of place is, moreover, observed less rigidly than usual, a change of scene (though still within the limits of the royal palace) accompanying the rise of the curtain for each of the three Acts. (Summary by the translator) Cast List Prologue(Piety): Alan Mapstone Esther(Queen of Persia): ShrimpPhish Ahasuerus(King of Persia): Algy Pug Mordecai: Alan Mapstone Haman: Papa Phish Zeresh: Inkell Hydaspes: Greg Giordano Asaph: Beeswaxcandle Elizabeth: Sonali Ekka A Jewish Maiden: Agnes Robert Behr Another Maiden: Inkell Another Maiden: Jessie Percival Youngest Maiden: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: Larry Wilson]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>5259</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/954c440d7bca44d01673868dbf1480b1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Big Lake, A Tragedy in Two Parts-Lynn Riggs</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/big-lake-a-tragedy-in-two-parts-lynn-riggs--74463231</link><description><![CDATA[Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for the heroine and her compatriots. It was composed by Racine when he was in his fiftieth year, and acted at the Maison de Saint Cyr in 1689. The incidents are in strict accordance with the Biblical narrative. In " Esther " Racine for the first time introduces a Chorus, as in the ancient Greek drama, whose songs set to music by Moreau gratefully relieved the monotony of the somewhat stilted dialogue. The unity of place is, moreover, observed less rigidly than usual, a change of scene (though still within the limits of the royal palace) accompanying the rise of the curtain for each of the three Acts. (Summary by the translator) Cast List Prologue(Piety): Alan Mapstone Esther(Queen of Persia): ShrimpPhish Ahasuerus(King of Persia): Algy Pug Mordecai: Alan Mapstone Haman: Papa Phish Zeresh: Inkell Hydaspes: Greg Giordano Asaph: Beeswaxcandle Elizabeth: Sonali Ekka A Jewish Maiden: Agnes Robert Behr Another Maiden: Inkell Another Maiden: Jessie Percival Youngest Maiden: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: Larry Wilson]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74463231</guid><pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2026 09:08:00 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74463231/big_lake_a_tragedy_in_two_parts_lynn_riggs.mp3" length="40197991" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Jean Racine</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for the heroine and her compatriots. It was composed by Racine when he was in his fiftieth year, and acted at the Maison de Saint Cyr in 1689. The incidents are in strict accordance with the Biblical narrative. In " Esther " Racine for the first time introduces a Chorus, as in the ancient Greek drama, whose songs set to music by Moreau gratefully relieved the monotony of the somewhat stilted dialogue. The unity of place is, moreover, observed less rigidly than usual, a change of scene (though still within the limits of the royal palace) accompanying the rise of the curtain for each of the three Acts. (Summary by the translator) Cast List Prologue(Piety): Alan Mapstone Esther(Queen of Persia): ShrimpPhish Ahasuerus(King of Persia): Algy Pug Mordecai: Alan Mapstone Haman: Papa Phish Zeresh: Inkell Hydaspes: Greg Giordano Asaph: Beeswaxcandle Elizabeth: Sonali Ekka A Jewish Maiden: Agnes Robert Behr Another Maiden: Inkell Another Maiden: Jessie Percival Youngest Maiden: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: Larry Wilson]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>5020</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/954c440d7bca44d01673868dbf1480b1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Belshazzar-Georg Friedrich Händel, Charles Jennens</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/belshazzar-georg-friedrich-handel-charles-jennens--74431315</link><description><![CDATA[Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for the heroine and her compatriots. It was composed by Racine when he was in his fiftieth year, and acted at the Maison de Saint Cyr in 1689. The incidents are in strict accordance with the Biblical narrative. In " Esther " Racine for the first time introduces a Chorus, as in the ancient Greek drama, whose songs set to music by Moreau gratefully relieved the monotony of the somewhat stilted dialogue. The unity of place is, moreover, observed less rigidly than usual, a change of scene (though still within the limits of the royal palace) accompanying the rise of the curtain for each of the three Acts. (Summary by the translator) Cast List Prologue(Piety): Alan Mapstone Esther(Queen of Persia): ShrimpPhish Ahasuerus(King of Persia): Algy Pug Mordecai: Alan Mapstone Haman: Papa Phish Zeresh: Inkell Hydaspes: Greg Giordano Asaph: Beeswaxcandle Elizabeth: Sonali Ekka A Jewish Maiden: Agnes Robert Behr Another Maiden: Inkell Another Maiden: Jessie Percival Youngest Maiden: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: Larry Wilson]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74431315</guid><pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:08:56 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74431315/belshazzar_georg_friedrich_ha_ndel_charles_jennens.mp3" length="26912554" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Jean Racine</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for the heroine and her compatriots. It was composed by Racine when he was in his fiftieth year, and acted at the Maison de Saint Cyr in 1689. The incidents are in strict accordance with the Biblical narrative. In " Esther " Racine for the first time introduces a Chorus, as in the ancient Greek drama, whose songs set to music by Moreau gratefully relieved the monotony of the somewhat stilted dialogue. The unity of place is, moreover, observed less rigidly than usual, a change of scene (though still within the limits of the royal palace) accompanying the rise of the curtain for each of the three Acts. (Summary by the translator) Cast List Prologue(Piety): Alan Mapstone Esther(Queen of Persia): ShrimpPhish Ahasuerus(King of Persia): Algy Pug Mordecai: Alan Mapstone Haman: Papa Phish Zeresh: Inkell Hydaspes: Greg Giordano Asaph: Beeswaxcandle Elizabeth: Sonali Ekka A Jewish Maiden: Agnes Robert Behr Another Maiden: Inkell Another Maiden: Jessie Percival Youngest Maiden: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: Larry Wilson]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>3361</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/954c440d7bca44d01673868dbf1480b1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Old Scrooge-Charles Augustus Scott</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/old-scrooge-charles-augustus-scott--74389793</link><description><![CDATA[Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for the heroine and her compatriots. It was composed by Racine when he was in his fiftieth year, and acted at the Maison de Saint Cyr in 1689. The incidents are in strict accordance with the Biblical narrative. In " Esther " Racine for the first time introduces a Chorus, as in the ancient Greek drama, whose songs set to music by Moreau gratefully relieved the monotony of the somewhat stilted dialogue. The unity of place is, moreover, observed less rigidly than usual, a change of scene (though still within the limits of the royal palace) accompanying the rise of the curtain for each of the three Acts. (Summary by the translator) Cast List Prologue(Piety): Alan Mapstone Esther(Queen of Persia): ShrimpPhish Ahasuerus(King of Persia): Algy Pug Mordecai: Alan Mapstone Haman: Papa Phish Zeresh: Inkell Hydaspes: Greg Giordano Asaph: Beeswaxcandle Elizabeth: Sonali Ekka A Jewish Maiden: Agnes Robert Behr Another Maiden: Inkell Another Maiden: Jessie Percival Youngest Maiden: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: Larry Wilson]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74389793</guid><pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:18:21 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74389793/old_scrooge_charles_augustus_scott.mp3" length="47404089" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Jean Racine</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for the heroine and her compatriots. It was composed by Racine when he was in his fiftieth year, and acted at the Maison de Saint Cyr in 1689. The incidents are in strict accordance with the Biblical narrative. In " Esther " Racine for the first time introduces a Chorus, as in the ancient Greek drama, whose songs set to music by Moreau gratefully relieved the monotony of the somewhat stilted dialogue. The unity of place is, moreover, observed less rigidly than usual, a change of scene (though still within the limits of the royal palace) accompanying the rise of the curtain for each of the three Acts. (Summary by the translator) Cast List Prologue(Piety): Alan Mapstone Esther(Queen of Persia): ShrimpPhish Ahasuerus(King of Persia): Algy Pug Mordecai: Alan Mapstone Haman: Papa Phish Zeresh: Inkell Hydaspes: Greg Giordano Asaph: Beeswaxcandle Elizabeth: Sonali Ekka A Jewish Maiden: Agnes Robert Behr Another Maiden: Inkell Another Maiden: Jessie Percival Youngest Maiden: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: Larry Wilson]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>5919</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/954c440d7bca44d01673868dbf1480b1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Purgatory of St. Patrick-Pedro Calderón de la Barca</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/purgatory-of-st-patrick-pedro-calderon-de-la-barca--74348373</link><description><![CDATA[Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for the heroine and her compatriots. It was composed by Racine when he was in his fiftieth year, and acted at the Maison de Saint Cyr in 1689. The incidents are in strict accordance with the Biblical narrative. In " Esther " Racine for the first time introduces a Chorus, as in the ancient Greek drama, whose songs set to music by Moreau gratefully relieved the monotony of the somewhat stilted dialogue. The unity of place is, moreover, observed less rigidly than usual, a change of scene (though still within the limits of the royal palace) accompanying the rise of the curtain for each of the three Acts. (Summary by the translator) Cast List Prologue(Piety): Alan Mapstone Esther(Queen of Persia): ShrimpPhish Ahasuerus(King of Persia): Algy Pug Mordecai: Alan Mapstone Haman: Papa Phish Zeresh: Inkell Hydaspes: Greg Giordano Asaph: Beeswaxcandle Elizabeth: Sonali Ekka A Jewish Maiden: Agnes Robert Behr Another Maiden: Inkell Another Maiden: Jessie Percival Youngest Maiden: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: Larry Wilson]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74348373</guid><pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:10:25 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74348373/purgatory_of_st_patrick_pedro_caldero_n_de_la_barca.mp3" length="82651891" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Jean Racine</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for the heroine and her compatriots. It was composed by Racine when he was in his fiftieth year, and acted at the Maison de Saint Cyr in 1689. The incidents are in strict accordance with the Biblical narrative. In " Esther " Racine for the first time introduces a Chorus, as in the ancient Greek drama, whose songs set to music by Moreau gratefully relieved the monotony of the somewhat stilted dialogue. The unity of place is, moreover, observed less rigidly than usual, a change of scene (though still within the limits of the royal palace) accompanying the rise of the curtain for each of the three Acts. (Summary by the translator) Cast List Prologue(Piety): Alan Mapstone Esther(Queen of Persia): ShrimpPhish Ahasuerus(King of Persia): Algy Pug Mordecai: Alan Mapstone Haman: Papa Phish Zeresh: Inkell Hydaspes: Greg Giordano Asaph: Beeswaxcandle Elizabeth: Sonali Ekka A Jewish Maiden: Agnes Robert Behr Another Maiden: Inkell Another Maiden: Jessie Percival Youngest Maiden: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: Larry Wilson]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>10321</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/954c440d7bca44d01673868dbf1480b1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Frailty and Hypocrisy (Figaro Trilogy #3)-Pierre Beaumarchais</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/frailty-and-hypocrisy-figaro-trilogy-3-pierre-beaumarchais--74208115</link><description><![CDATA[Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for the heroine and her compatriots. It was composed by Racine when he was in his fiftieth year, and acted at the Maison de Saint Cyr in 1689. The incidents are in strict accordance with the Biblical narrative. In " Esther " Racine for the first time introduces a Chorus, as in the ancient Greek drama, whose songs set to music by Moreau gratefully relieved the monotony of the somewhat stilted dialogue. The unity of place is, moreover, observed less rigidly than usual, a change of scene (though still within the limits of the royal palace) accompanying the rise of the curtain for each of the three Acts. (Summary by the translator) Cast List Prologue(Piety): Alan Mapstone Esther(Queen of Persia): ShrimpPhish Ahasuerus(King of Persia): Algy Pug Mordecai: Alan Mapstone Haman: Papa Phish Zeresh: Inkell Hydaspes: Greg Giordano Asaph: Beeswaxcandle Elizabeth: Sonali Ekka A Jewish Maiden: Agnes Robert Behr Another Maiden: Inkell Another Maiden: Jessie Percival Youngest Maiden: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: Larry Wilson]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74208115</guid><pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:08:59 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74208115/frailty_and_hypocrisy_figaro_trilogy_3_pierre_beaumarchais.mp3" length="61335590" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Jean Racine</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for the heroine and her compatriots. It was composed by Racine when he was in his fiftieth year, and acted at the Maison de Saint Cyr in 1689. The incidents are in strict accordance with the Biblical narrative. In " Esther " Racine for the first time introduces a Chorus, as in the ancient Greek drama, whose songs set to music by Moreau gratefully relieved the monotony of the somewhat stilted dialogue. The unity of place is, moreover, observed less rigidly than usual, a change of scene (though still within the limits of the royal palace) accompanying the rise of the curtain for each of the three Acts. (Summary by the translator) Cast List Prologue(Piety): Alan Mapstone Esther(Queen of Persia): ShrimpPhish Ahasuerus(King of Persia): Algy Pug Mordecai: Alan Mapstone Haman: Papa Phish Zeresh: Inkell Hydaspes: Greg Giordano Asaph: Beeswaxcandle Elizabeth: Sonali Ekka A Jewish Maiden: Agnes Robert Behr Another Maiden: Inkell Another Maiden: Jessie Percival Youngest Maiden: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: Larry Wilson]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>7659</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/954c440d7bca44d01673868dbf1480b1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Antony and Cleopatra-William Shakespeare</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/antony-and-cleopatra-william-shakespeare--74162637</link><description><![CDATA[Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for the heroine and her compatriots. It was composed by Racine when he was in his fiftieth year, and acted at the Maison de Saint Cyr in 1689. The incidents are in strict accordance with the Biblical narrative. In " Esther " Racine for the first time introduces a Chorus, as in the ancient Greek drama, whose songs set to music by Moreau gratefully relieved the monotony of the somewhat stilted dialogue. The unity of place is, moreover, observed less rigidly than usual, a change of scene (though still within the limits of the royal palace) accompanying the rise of the curtain for each of the three Acts. (Summary by the translator) Cast List Prologue(Piety): Alan Mapstone Esther(Queen of Persia): ShrimpPhish Ahasuerus(King of Persia): Algy Pug Mordecai: Alan Mapstone Haman: Papa Phish Zeresh: Inkell Hydaspes: Greg Giordano Asaph: Beeswaxcandle Elizabeth: Sonali Ekka A Jewish Maiden: Agnes Robert Behr Another Maiden: Inkell Another Maiden: Jessie Percival Youngest Maiden: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: Larry Wilson]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74162637</guid><pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:09:26 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74162637/antony_and_cleopatra_william_shakespeare.mp3" length="88341013" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Jean Racine</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for the heroine and her compatriots. It was composed by Racine when he was in his fiftieth year, and acted at the Maison de Saint Cyr in 1689. The incidents are in strict accordance with the Biblical narrative. In " Esther " Racine for the first time introduces a Chorus, as in the ancient Greek drama, whose songs set to music by Moreau gratefully relieved the monotony of the somewhat stilted dialogue. The unity of place is, moreover, observed less rigidly than usual, a change of scene (though still within the limits of the royal palace) accompanying the rise of the curtain for each of the three Acts. (Summary by the translator) Cast List Prologue(Piety): Alan Mapstone Esther(Queen of Persia): ShrimpPhish Ahasuerus(King of Persia): Algy Pug Mordecai: Alan Mapstone Haman: Papa Phish Zeresh: Inkell Hydaspes: Greg Giordano Asaph: Beeswaxcandle Elizabeth: Sonali Ekka A Jewish Maiden: Agnes Robert Behr Another Maiden: Inkell Another Maiden: Jessie Percival Youngest Maiden: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: Larry Wilson]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>11031</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/954c440d7bca44d01673868dbf1480b1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Lucian's Dialogues Volume 1 The Dialogues of the Gods-Lucian of Samosata</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/lucian-s-dialogues-volume-1-the-dialogues-of-the-gods-lucian-of-samosata--74118411</link><description><![CDATA[Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for the heroine and her compatriots. It was composed by Racine when he was in his fiftieth year, and acted at the Maison de Saint Cyr in 1689. The incidents are in strict accordance with the Biblical narrative. In " Esther " Racine for the first time introduces a Chorus, as in the ancient Greek drama, whose songs set to music by Moreau gratefully relieved the monotony of the somewhat stilted dialogue. The unity of place is, moreover, observed less rigidly than usual, a change of scene (though still within the limits of the royal palace) accompanying the rise of the curtain for each of the three Acts. (Summary by the translator) Cast List Prologue(Piety): Alan Mapstone Esther(Queen of Persia): ShrimpPhish Ahasuerus(King of Persia): Algy Pug Mordecai: Alan Mapstone Haman: Papa Phish Zeresh: Inkell Hydaspes: Greg Giordano Asaph: Beeswaxcandle Elizabeth: Sonali Ekka A Jewish Maiden: Agnes Robert Behr Another Maiden: Inkell Another Maiden: Jessie Percival Youngest Maiden: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: Larry Wilson]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74118411</guid><pubDate>Sun, 16 Aug 2026 11:31:48 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74118411/lucian_s_dialogues_volume_1_the_dialogues_of_the_gods_lucian_of_samosata.mp3" length="76590373" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Jean Racine</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for the heroine and her compatriots. It was composed by Racine when he was in his fiftieth year, and acted at the Maison de Saint Cyr in 1689. The incidents are in strict accordance with the Biblical narrative. In " Esther " Racine for the first time introduces a Chorus, as in the ancient Greek drama, whose songs set to music by Moreau gratefully relieved the monotony of the somewhat stilted dialogue. The unity of place is, moreover, observed less rigidly than usual, a change of scene (though still within the limits of the royal palace) accompanying the rise of the curtain for each of the three Acts. (Summary by the translator) Cast List Prologue(Piety): Alan Mapstone Esther(Queen of Persia): ShrimpPhish Ahasuerus(King of Persia): Algy Pug Mordecai: Alan Mapstone Haman: Papa Phish Zeresh: Inkell Hydaspes: Greg Giordano Asaph: Beeswaxcandle Elizabeth: Sonali Ekka A Jewish Maiden: Agnes Robert Behr Another Maiden: Inkell Another Maiden: Jessie Percival Youngest Maiden: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: Larry Wilson]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>9564</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/954c440d7bca44d01673868dbf1480b1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Troades-Lucius Annaeus Seneca</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/troades-lucius-annaeus-seneca--73424903</link><description><![CDATA["Troades" by Lucius Annaeus Seneca delves into the aftermath of the Trojan War, exploring the themes of loss, fate, and the human condition. This poignant work captures the emotional turmoil faced by those left behind, reflecting on the consequences of conflict and the enduring pain of separation. Its exploration of despair and resilience resonates deeply in today's world, where the impacts of war and personal loss continue to affect countless lives. Seneca's timeless insights into suffering and the search for meaning make "Troades" a powerful reminder of the fragility of human existence and the strength found in enduring hardship.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73424903</guid><pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 09:01:30 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73424903/troades_lucius_annaeus_seneca.mp3" length="48601431" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/ebedc2cd-7784-4695-ba35-c6aa7bdef1f5/ebedc2cd-7784-4695-ba35-c6aa7bdef1f5.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/ebedc2cd-7784-4695-ba35-c6aa7bdef1f5/ebedc2cd-7784-4695-ba35-c6aa7bdef1f5.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/ebedc2cd-7784-4695-ba35-c6aa7bdef1f5/ebedc2cd-7784-4695-ba35-c6aa7bdef1f5.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Jean Racine</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Troades" by Lucius Annaeus Seneca delves into the aftermath of the Trojan War, exploring the themes of loss, fate, and the human condition. This poignant work captures the emotional turmoil faced by those left behind, reflecting on the consequences...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Troades" by Lucius Annaeus Seneca delves into the aftermath of the Trojan War, exploring the themes of loss, fate, and the human condition. This poignant work captures the emotional turmoil faced by those left behind, reflecting on the consequences of conflict and the enduring pain of separation. Its exploration of despair and resilience resonates deeply in today's world, where the impacts of war and personal loss continue to affect countless lives. Seneca's timeless insights into suffering and the search for meaning make "Troades" a powerful reminder of the fragility of human existence and the strength found in enduring hardship.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>6069</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/954c440d7bca44d01673868dbf1480b1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Esther - Jean Racine</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/esther-jean-racine--72922895</link><description><![CDATA[Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for the heroine and her compatriots. It was composed by Racine when he was in his fiftieth year, and acted at the Maison de Saint Cyr in 1689. The incidents are in strict accordance with the Biblical narrative. In " Esther " Racine for the first time introduces a Chorus, as in the ancient Greek drama, whose songs set to music by Moreau gratefully relieved the monotony of the somewhat stilted dialogue. The unity of place is, moreover, observed less rigidly than usual, a change of scene (though still within the limits of the royal palace) accompanying the rise of the curtain for each of the three Acts. (Summary by the translator) Cast List Prologue(Piety): Alan Mapstone Esther(Queen of Persia): ShrimpPhish Ahasuerus(King of Persia): Algy Pug Mordecai: Alan Mapstone Haman: Papa Phish Zeresh: Inkell Hydaspes: Greg Giordano Asaph: Beeswaxcandle Elizabeth: Sonali Ekka A Jewish Maiden: Agnes Robert Behr Another Maiden: Inkell Another Maiden: Jessie Percival Youngest Maiden: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: Larry Wilson]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72922895</guid><pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 00:15:20 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72922895/esther_jean_racine.mp3" length="43392983" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/51d57080-d143-4f68-b39d-1c493e7213d6/51d57080-d143-4f68-b39d-1c493e7213d6.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/51d57080-d143-4f68-b39d-1c493e7213d6/51d57080-d143-4f68-b39d-1c493e7213d6.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/51d57080-d143-4f68-b39d-1c493e7213d6/51d57080-d143-4f68-b39d-1c493e7213d6.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Jean Racine</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Esther — the first of Racine's two sacred dramas — is a tragedy in the Aristotelian acceptation of the term, as being concerned with a great and noble action, and calculated to excite generous pity and fear, though the denouement is a happy one for the heroine and her compatriots. It was composed by Racine when he was in his fiftieth year, and acted at the Maison de Saint Cyr in 1689. The incidents are in strict accordance with the Biblical narrative. In " Esther " Racine for the first time introduces a Chorus, as in the ancient Greek drama, whose songs set to music by Moreau gratefully relieved the monotony of the somewhat stilted dialogue. The unity of place is, moreover, observed less rigidly than usual, a change of scene (though still within the limits of the royal palace) accompanying the rise of the curtain for each of the three Acts. (Summary by the translator) Cast List Prologue(Piety): Alan Mapstone Esther(Queen of Persia): ShrimpPhish Ahasuerus(King of Persia): Algy Pug Mordecai: Alan Mapstone Haman: Papa Phish Zeresh: Inkell Hydaspes: Greg Giordano Asaph: Beeswaxcandle Elizabeth: Sonali Ekka A Jewish Maiden: Agnes Robert Behr Another Maiden: Inkell Another Maiden: Jessie Percival Youngest Maiden: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: Larry Wilson]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>5425</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>acceptation,compatriots,esther,hydaspes,inkell,maiden,persia,racine,stilted,tragedy</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/954c440d7bca44d01673868dbf1480b1.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item></channel></rss>
