Timon of Athens, one of Shakespeare’s most enigmatic plays, has been brought to life as a modern podcast drama.
Produced by Next Chapter Podcasts and Play On Podcasts, this new audio adaptation reimagines the story with a contemporary translation that remains true to its original.
Executive Producer Michael Goodfriend, who also serves as Chief Content Officer at Next Chapter Podcasts, described the show’s relevance.
“Who could have predicted that one of Shakespeare’s least-known plays would be so suited to our times? Here’s a guy who throws lavish parties for a laminate list of high-profile guests, showering them with gifts, expecting loyalty and friendship in return. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t take him long to learn that money can’t buy you love, loyalty or happiness.”
Timon of Athens tells the tragic tale of a wealthy Athenian nobleman whose lavish generosity leads to betrayal, isolation, and disillusionment.
The new Play On adaptation has been translated into modern verse by Kenneth Cavander and directed by Andy Wolk, offering a fresh yet authentic approach to Shakespeare’s challenging language.
The cast includes Anthony Cochrane as Timon, Pooya Mohseni as Flavia, Kevin Kilner as Alcibiades, Jason Kravits as Apemantus, and Abigail C. Onwunali playing Ventidia, Timandra, and Senator 1.
Other roles are performed by Michael Luwoye, Barzin Akhavan, Nadina Hassan, Hassiem Muhammad, Gregg Mozgala, and Dorcas Leung.
Alongside the podcast launch came news of a major deal between Next Chapter Podcasts and Evergreen Podcasts.
The partnership sees Evergreen handle ad sales for the entire Play On library. Gerardo C. Orlando, Evergreen’s Chief Content Officer, said: “This amazing podcast perfectly aligns with our mission to deliver high-quality, engaging content that captivates and inspires.
“We’re excited to leverage our expertise in ad sales and audience growth to amplify this exceptional audio drama, bringing Shakespeare’s enduring relevance to listeners worldwide.”
The first episode of Timon of Athens is available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms. The six-episode season will continue with weekly releases until 25 August.
