Mark Rylance and Claire Van Kampen with 'Farinelli and the King'

Midday on WNYC | Jan 24, 2018

Mark Rylance and Claire Van Kampen discuss the Shakespeare’s Globe production of Farinelli and the King, a new play by Van Kampen on Broadway. King Philippe V of Spain (Rylance), plagued by insomnia, lies awake in his chamber. The Queen, desperate for a cure, hears of Farinelli - a castrato with a voice so divine it has the power to captivate all who hear it. Philippe is astonished when Farinelli sings, and begs him to stay. But will Farinelli, one of the greatest celebrities of his time, choose a life of solitude over fame and fortune in the opera houses of Europe? Farinelli and the King is playing a limited run at the Belasco Theatre through March 25.

This segment is guest hosted by Martha Plimpton.

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