In this cultural episode, Dara is in awe of two recent Shakespearean recitations he caught on small screens, delivered fifty years apart in almost identical settings by two masters of the form. He makes an effort of his own and is embarrassed by the resulting evidence of his lesser skill.
Before that, he briefly shares last thoughts on the final of the Rugby World Cup, which was won by a dogged South Africa last weekend. He expresses particular admiration for the eloquent Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, who consistently speaks of the impact and symbolism back home of the success of his team.
Dara spends the second half of the podcast reviewing and reacting to Martin Scorsese’s latest film, Killers of the Flower Moon. He left the cinema feeling sick, depressed and exhilarated at what he had just seen. A film of sneaking and insidious power, Dara isn’t sure he has ever seen such a successful depiction of systematic and dehumanising white racism.