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Playing Shakespeare

Playing Shakespeare (1984)

July. 29,1984

9.4

TV-G

| Documentary

Playing Shakespeare

John Barton holds a master class in how to play Shakespeare, using members of the RSC doing scenes, sonnets, and commentary as prime examples.

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Playing Shakespeare

1984 / TV-G

John Barton holds a master class in how to play Shakespeare, using members of the RSC doing scenes, sonnets, and commentary as prime examples.

Seasons & Episode

Seasons 1 : 1984

9 Episode

Episode 1 - The Two Traditions

July. 29,1984

Contrasting Shakespeare's elevated language with modern naturalistic speech.

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Episode 2 - Using the Verse

August. 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.

Episode 3 - Language and Character

August. 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.

Episode 4 - Speeches and Soliloquies

August. 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.

Episode 5 - Irony and Ambiguity

August. 26,1984

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

Episode 6 - Passion and Coolness

September. 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.

Episode 7 - Rehearsing the Text

September. 09,1984

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

Episode 8 - Exploring a Character

September. 16,1984

Episode 9 - Poetry and Hidden Poetry

September. 23,1984

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

John Barton holds a master class in how to play Shakespeare, using members of the RSC doing scenes, sonnets, and commentary as prime examples.