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All Episodes of Playing Shakespeare

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Browse all episodes of Playing Shakespeare

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.
Select Season:

Season 1

  • The Two Traditions
    N/A/100 votes

    The Two Traditions

    Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 7/29/1984

    Contrasting Shakespeare's elevated language with modern naturalistic speech.

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Using the Verse
    N/A/100 votes

    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: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Language and Character
    N/A/100 votes

    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: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Speeches and Soliloquies
    N/A/100 votes

    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: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Irony and Ambiguity
    N/A/100 votes

    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: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Passion and Coolness
    N/A/100 votes

    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: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Rehearsing the Text
    N/A/100 votes

    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: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Exploring a Character
    N/A/100 votes

    Exploring a Character

    Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 9/16/1984

    No description available

    Director: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown

  • Poetry and Hidden Poetry
    N/A/100 votes

    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: Unknown

    Writer: Unknown