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All Episodes of Playing Shakespeare

Browse all episodes of 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.
Genre:Documentary
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Season 1

  • The Two Traditions
    9.6/1010 votes
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    The Two Traditions

    Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 7/29/1984

    Contrasting Shakespeare's elevated language with modern naturalistic speech.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Using the Verse
    9.4/108 votes
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    Using the Verse

    Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 8/5/1984

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

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Language and Character
    8.9/1011 votes
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    Language and Character

    Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 8/12/1984

    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.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Speeches and Soliloquies
    9.5/1010 votes
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    Speeches and Soliloquies

    Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 8/19/1984

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

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Irony and Ambiguity
    9.1/108 votes
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    Irony and Ambiguity

    Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 8/26/1984

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

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Passion and Coolness
    8.8/109 votes
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    Passion and Coolness

    Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 9/2/1984

    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.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Rehearsing the Text
    8.7/107 votes
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    Rehearsing the Text

    Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 9/9/1984

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

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Exploring a Character
    8.8/106 votes
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    Exploring a Character

    Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 9/16/1984

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    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Poetry and Hidden Poetry
    9.3/107 votes
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    Poetry and Hidden Poetry

    Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 9/23/1984

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

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A