"World in Empire", The

Alternative title

How King Lear Inspired ‘Empire’

Synopsis

Podcast from the Folger Shakespeare Library. How the Fox TV television series ‘Empire’ was influenced by King Lear in the story of an ageing ruler - in this case the head of a hip-hop music dynasty - who sets his three children against each other. From its beginning, Empire has fashioned itself on the plot of King Lear. And that’s not the only Shakespeare connection to the programme, as Ilene Chaiken, showrunner and executive producer for ‘Empire’, explains. She is interviewed by Barbara Bogaev.

Series

Shakespeare Unlimited

Language

English

Country

United States

Medium

Audio

Recording date

22 Mar 2017

Duration

31 mins

Credits

Producer

Richard Paul

Contributor

Barbara Bogaev; Ilene Chaiken

Additional Details

Production type

Documentary/Educational/News

Plays

King Lear

Subjects

Drama

Keywords

Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); television drama

Notes

Notes

Podcast: http://www.folger.edu/shakespeare-unlimited-episode-69. (accessed 02/2017).

Online Availability

Online URL

http://www.folger.edu/shakespeare-unlimited/empire-ilene-chaiken

Production Company

Name

R.L. Paul Productions