Proceed Sweet Cupid

Synopsis: Audio podcast. Episode four of an all-black radio serialisation of Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost, , set at Howard University in the 1930’s. Episode scripts were adapted and produced by Catherine Eaton and rendered into modern English verse by Josh Wilder. The production was directed by Nelson T. Eusebio III.

4. Nathaniel and Holofernes congratulate each other on their handling of Berowne’s letter and agree to use it as an example of bad writing. Back at Howard University’s Clark Hall, Berowne paces nervously, ruminating on his love for Rosaline. He hides when King Navarre enters, reading a love letter he wrote to the Princess out loud to himself. Navarre takes cover when Longaville enters and reads his own letter to Margaret, and Longaville hides when Dumaine enters to read the letter he’s writing to Maria. Soon, all four friends step forward to accuse each other of hypocrisy, with Berowne taking the lead in shaming the others. It all comes to a screeching halt when Jacquenetta enters with Berowne’s letter, which he desperately tries-and fails-to snatch back. With everything finally revealed, Berowne convinces his friends to abandon their vows and strive instead to be the best lovers they can be in winning the affections of the Princess and her friends.
Series: Play on Podcasts: Love’s Labour’s Lost
Language: English
Country: United States
Medium: Audio
Transmission details: 10 Jul 2023
Duration: 28 mins

Notes: Part of the ‘Play On Shakespeare’ project to create more contemporary and accessible versions of the texts for performance.

Online URL: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/loves-labours-lost-proceed-sweet-cupid/id1561429994?i=1000620586533
Online format: Streamed/Download

Shakespeare, "Proceed Sweet Cupid". https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/shakespeare/search/index.php/title/av80239 (Accessed 26 Dec 2024)

SHAKESPEARE