Monthly Media #1

This is the first entry in our new column, Monthly Media, where one of our writers discusses media they have recently consumed - one thing they’ve read, one they’ve watched, and one they’ve listened to. This month, Emily offers some recommendations she’s currently enjoying.

The Great White Bard by Farah Karim-Cooper

Available anywhere you buy books

In a bid to read more widely around my degree, I picked up Farah Karim-Cooper’s newest release, in which she discusses race in Shakespeare, from the ways his plays reflect the race-making of the early modern period, to more modern efforts of decolonising his plays and questioning the representations therein. The book analyses specific examples from his work, illuminating contexts of performance and early modern English culture and language, and Karim-Cooper maintains a clear and accessible writing style throughout. From what I’ve read so far, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in this topic, including if you don’t have much experience studying this area.

Castlevania

Available on Netflix

I recently started watching Castlevania (thanks to my co-editor Isaac) and I am loving it so far! I’m currently on season 3, and my favourite part has been the group dynamic between Trevor, Sypha, and Alucard in season 2. It strikes a great balance between snark and character development, and I’m amused by the chaotic D&D party energy I’m getting from them. Trevor and Sypha adventuring in the start of season 3 is a joy as well. I’m sure most people I’d recommend this to have already seen the show, as I am very late to the bandwagon, but I’m excited to see where the story goes.

Rolling with Difficulty - 'Open and Shut' Season 2

Available on podcast platforms: RSS feed here

Rolling with Difficulty is my favourite Dungeons & Dragons actual play podcast. They are currently wrapping up their second campaign, ‘Open and Shut,’ about a detective agency in the interplanar city of Sigil. Although it doesn't quite beat their first campaign (‘Per Aspera’ - a higher level spelljammer campaign) for me, this season is excellent. The cast of the show is phenomenal, and ‘Open and Shut’ really lets their creativity and performance shine - for instance, there are two bards in the party and they both sing live. The world feels full and expansive, and each episode has a new mystery or problem for the players to solve. One thing ‘Open and Shut’ does especially well is enacting consequences for the players choices, creating satisfying narratives while keeping the drama high. I highly recommend Rolling with Difficulty if you enjoy D&D actual plays. Each season is 10x 3-4 hour long episodes, which feels very manageable, and between both campaigns and a variety of one-shots, there's something for everyone!