The new season of Play On Podcasts launches with William Shakespeare's Timon of Athens, which is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

Produced by Next Chapter Podcasts and Play On Podcasts, this modern verse audio translation brings the tragic tale to life for a new generation of listeners.

The series stars Anthony Cochrane as Timon; Pooya Mohseni as Flavia; Kevin Kilner as Alcibiades; Jason Kravits as Apemantus; Abigail C. Onwunali as Ventidia, Timandra and Senator 1; Michael Luwoye as the Old Athenian, Caphis, and Senator 2; Barzin Akhavan as the painter and Lucullus; Nadina Hassan as the poet and Lucretia; Hassiem Muhammad as the merchant, Isidore, and Thief #1; Gregg Mozgala as Lucilius, Sempronius, and Thief #2; and Dorcas Leung as the jeweler, Cupid, Varro and Phrynia.

Timon of Athens explores the descent of a wealthy Athenian nobleman from lavish generosity to bitter misanthropy. Subsequent episodes of the six-episode season will launch weekly through August 25.

“Who could have predicted that one of Shakespeare’s least-known plays would be so suited to our times?” said series Executive Producer Michael Goodfriend in a statement. “Here’s a guy who throws lavish parties for a laminate list of high-profile guests, showering them with all kinds of gifts–from cash to sumptuous feasts to scantily clad dancers–expecting their loyalty and friendship in return. You can easily imagine Timon carrying a little black book around with him. Spoiler alert: It doesn’t take him long to learn that money can’t buy you love (or loyalty or happiness). Just as Shakespeare and his collaborators knew this ancient Athenian tale was ripe for their time, Kenneth Cavander and Andy Wolk knew that this is the right time for modern audiences to hear an adaptation of Shakespeare’s often overlooked 'problem play.' With each Play On Podcast series we produce, we continue to prove Shakespeare’s enduring relevance.”

Timon of Athens, written by Shakespeare, was translated into modern English verse by Kenneth Cavander. All episodes were directed by Andy Wolk.

The series also features music composition by Lawrence Shragge, mix and sound design by Lindsay Jones, sound engineering and mixing by Sadaharu Yagi, mix engineering by Larry Walsh, dialogue editing by Larry Walsh, podcast mastering by Greg Cortez at New Monkey Studio, casting by The Telsey Office’s Karyn Casl, and voice and text coaching by Julie Foh.

Goodfriend is executive producer; Transcend Streaming (Kyra Bowie and Leanna Keyes) is coordinating producer.

Play On Shakespeare is a non-profit company dedicated to promoting and creating contemporary modern English translations of Shakespeare’s plays.

Visit NextChapterPodcasts.com and PlayOnShakespeare.org.