Troilus and Cressida - Fear and Loathing in Ancient Troy

Troilus and Cressida is a problem play in more ways than one. Its tone veers wildly between comedy and tragedy and there are no easy resolutions. But it is also a dazzling work with Shakespeare being more truthful and cynical about the human condition than at any other stage in his career. In this episode, Ben Lawrence returns to the play. He is in conversation with Gregory Doran, artistic director of the RSC, who also directs the new production at Stratford upon Avon (which runs from October 12 to November 17), and with the academic and writer James Shapiro whose long list of acclaimed works includes William Shakespeare: 1606, and the Year of Lear.