Playing Shakespeare

  • Rank #
  • Premiered: Jul 1984
  • Episodes: 9
  • Followers: 0
  • Ended
  • Unknown
  • Unknown
  • Documentary

Seasons:

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Season 1
1x1
The Two Traditions
Episode overview
Air date
Jul 29, 1984
Contrasting Shakespeare's elevated language with modern naturalistic speech.
1x2
Using the Verse
Episode overview
Air date
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.
1x3
Language and Character
Episode overview
Air date
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.
1x4
Speeches and Soliloquies
Episode overview
Air date
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.
1x5
Irony and Ambiguity
Episode overview
Air date
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.
1x6
Passion and Coolness
Episode overview
Air date
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.
1x7
Rehearsing the Text
Episode overview
Air date
Sep 09, 1984
John Barton and the actors analyze a scene from Twelfth Night, identifying pointers towards character and staging.
1x8
Exploring a Character
Episode overview
Air date
Sep 16, 1984
This episode has no summary.
1x9 Show finale
Poetry and Hidden Poetry
Episode overview
Air date
Sep 23, 1984
The bard's unparalleled poetry is celebrated and examined in its glory.

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