Dani Herd as Goneril, Joanna Daniel as Lear, Julia Weeks as Cordelia, Kirstin Calvert as Regan, Mary Ruth Ralston as Kent.

Dani Herd as Goneril, Joanna Daniel as Lear, Julia Weeks as Cordelia, Kirstin Calvert as Regan, Mary Ruth Ralston as Kent.

How has Shakespeare managed to stay relevant for more than 450 years? His work's persistence is due in part to constant reinvention. An Atlanta Theater company breathes new life into Shakespeare by casting women to play traditionally male parts. We speak with actress Jennifer Acker of the Fern Theater about how an all-female cast contributes to our understanding of Shakespeare. Tim McDonough, chair of theater studies program at Emory University, also joins our discussion. This past spring, he directed an all-male production of "As you Like it." Our guests discuss the significance of these new, cross-gendered, interpretations.

The Fern Theater's Jessica Acker and Emory University Chair of Theater Studies, Tim McDonough, discuss cross-gender renditions of Shakespeare. How does an all-male or all-female cast enhance our understanding of The Bard's plays?

    

Jennifer Alice Acker as Edmund.

Jennifer Alice Acker as Edmund.

Dani Herd as Goneril, Kirstin Calvert as Regan.

Dani Herd as Goneril, Kirstin Calvert as Regan.

Joanna Daniel as Lear Kristin Storla as Edgar.

Joanna Daniel as Lear Kristin Storla as Edgar.

Tags: Feminism  Shakespeare  Theater  Atlanta  Georgia