Playing Shakespeare  - TV series (1984)

1. The Two Traditions

Mark as watched

29/07/1984

Contrasting Shakespeare's elevated language with modern naturalistic speech.

Contrasting Shakespeare's elevated language with modern naturalistic speech.

2. Using the Verse

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05/08/1984

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

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

3. Language and Character

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12/08/1984

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.

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.

4. Speeches and Soliloquies

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19/08/1984

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

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

5. Irony and Ambiguity

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26/08/1984

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

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

6. Passion and Coolness

Mark as watched

02/09/1984

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.

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.

7. Rehearsing the Text

Mark as watched

09/09/1984

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

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

9. Poetry and Hidden Poetry

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23/09/1984

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

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