9.6/1010 votes#1 - 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
- 9.4/108 votes
#2 - 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
- 8.9/1011 votes
#3 - 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
- 9.5/1010 votes
#4 - 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
- 9.1/108 votes
#5 - 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
- 8.8/109 votes
#6 - 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
- 8.7/107 votes
#7 - 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
- 8.8/106 votes
#8 - Exploring a Character
Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 9/16/1984
No description available
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
- 9.3/107 votes
#9 - 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
The Best Episodes of Playing Shakespeare Season 1
Every episode of Playing Shakespeare Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Playing Shakespeare Season 1!
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
Network:Unknown
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"The Two Traditions" is the best rated episode of "Playing Shakespeare" season 1. It scored 9.6/10 based on 10 votes. Directed by N/A and written by N/A, it aired on 7/29/1984. This episode is rated 0.2 points higher than the second-best, "Using the Verse".