Playing Shakespeare
Playing Shakespeare
TV-G | 29 July 1984 (USA)
SEASON & EPISODES
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  • Season 1 : 1984 | 9 Episodes

    EP1 The Two Traditions Jul 29, 1984

    Contrasting Shakespeare's elevated language with modern naturalistic speech.

    EP2 Using the Verse Aug 05, 1984

    John Barton and company examine blank verse. Its strengths and particularities are discussed in great detail. Members of the cast try out various readings.

    EP3 Language and Character Aug 12, 1984

    John Barton and the cast discuss how Shakespeare defines his character by the language they speak, and how the characters attempt to achieve their aims by means of what they say and how they say it.

    EP4 Speeches and Soliloquies Aug 19, 1984

    John Barton and members of the RSC present a workshop on how Shakespeare used the soliloquy to directly connect the character with the audience.

    EP5 Irony and Ambiguity Aug 26, 1984

    John Barton and the RSC actors consider the subtle shadings produced by irony, ambiguity and sarcasm, and how best to express them.

    EP6 Passion and Coolness Sep 02, 1984

    Hamlet's advice to the players is the best-known acting instruction in theatrical history. John Barton and the RSC actors explore this essential mandate to be both natural and intellectual.

    EP7 Rehearsing the Text Sep 09, 1984

    John Barton and the actors analyze a scene from Twelfth Night, identifying pointers towards character and staging.

    EP8 Exploring a Character Sep 16, 1984

    Plot of this episode is not specified yet.
    Please check back later for more update.

    EP9 Poetry and Hidden Poetry Sep 23, 1984

    The bard's unparalleled poetry is celebrated and examined in its glory.
    Reviews
    Andrew Schneider

    I had the opportunity to see this series when I was in college. I was rehearsing a production of Julius Caesar, and my director hosted a get together at his apartment, where we watched several episodes that he had taped. Since then, I've been waiting in vain for the opportunity to watch the entire series. I have yet to find another book or documentary that equals this series as a guide either to performing Shakespeare or to acting in general. Having such high-caliber Royal Shakespeare Company talent as Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Ben Kingsley, Dame Peggy Ashcroft, Dame Judi Dench, Patrick Stewart and David Suchet performing the Bard's work ensures that the series is highly entertaining as well as instructive.

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    Noel_Wood

    This is a definitive instructional video on the problems and approaches to playing Shakespeare; an invaluable tool for the student actor and an entertaining and enlightening guide for the lay person on the actor's craft.I wish there were more videos like this one, whereby techniques are demonstrated by actors who are experienced and actually good. I have seen countless other instructional videos on acting, from audition techniques to acting for the camera, where the so-called actors featured came across as amateur and self-conscious.Here, we have the privilege of watching seasoned film and stage actors, such as Patrick Stewart, Sir Ian McKellan and David Suchet (among many others, and I apologize for omitting some fine actresses) show us how there are infinite ways of interpreting and acting Shakespeare's plays, as well as reminding us why they are such good actors.

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    murphya

    If you love Shakespeare, or acting, or any of these great actors - or if you love all of these - the series is indescribeable. Actors taking speeches, working on them, improving them. Just great. Kingseley, Stewart, Howard, Dench, etc

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    pageiv

    My Reading and Acting Shakespeare teacher played snippets of this video to help convey that Shakespeare was more than the words on the page. The presentation, though old, is fun and extremely informative. I got a kick out of seeing Ian McKellen looking young and dapper with Patrick Steward looking like he just stepped off of the bridge of the Enterprise(to quote Mary Mcfly in Back to the Future "Didnt that man ever have hair?).To the point, I learned more watching this video than I have so far in class. All students of Shakespeare should see it.

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