Season 1 poster
← Playing Shakespeare

Season 1

9 episodes · 29th July 1984

Season details

Details

Episode guide

Episodes

01 The Two Traditions still The Two Traditions Episode 129th July 1984 Contrasting Shakespeare's elevated language with modern naturalistic speech. 02 Using the Verse still Using the Verse Episode 25th August 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. 03 Language and Character still Language and Character Episode 312th August 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. 04 Speeches and Soliloquies still Speeches and Soliloquies Episode 419th August 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. 05 Irony and Ambiguity still Irony and Ambiguity Episode 526th August 1984 John Barton and the RSC actors consider the subtle shadings produced by irony, ambiguity and sarcasm, and how best to express them. 06 Passion and Coolness still Passion and Coolness Episode 62nd September 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. 07 Rehearsing the Text still Rehearsing the Text Episode 79th September 1984 John Barton and the actors analyze a scene from Twelfth Night, identifying pointers towards character and staging. 08 Exploring a Character still Exploring a Character Episode 816th September 1984 09 Poetry and Hidden Poetry still Poetry and Hidden Poetry Episode 923rd September 1984 The bard's unparalleled poetry is celebrated and examined in its glory.
Talent

Cast & Crew

01 Lisa Harrow profile Lisa Harrow 02 Sinéad Cusack profile Sinéad Cusack 03 Patrick Stewart profile Patrick Stewart 04 Richard Pasco profile Richard Pasco 05 Barbara Leigh-Hunt profile Barbara Leigh-Hunt 06 Alan Howard profile Alan Howard 07 Norman Rodway profile Norman Rodway 08 Donald Sinden profile Donald Sinden 09 Peggy Ashcroft profile Peggy Ashcroft 10 Ben Kingsley profile Ben Kingsley
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