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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!

Binge this in 4h 30m•Peaking at 9.6/10

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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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Playing Shakespeare Season 1 Episode 1 - The Two Traditions
    9.6/10(10 votes)

    #1 - The Two Traditions

    S1:E1

    Contrasting Shakespeare's elevated language with modern naturalistic speech.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Playing Shakespeare Season 1 Episode 2 - Using the Verse
    9.4/10(8 votes)

    #2 - Using the Verse

    S1:E2

    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

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  3. Playing Shakespeare Season 1 Episode 3 - Language and Character
    8.9/10(11 votes)

    #3 - Language and Character

    S1:E3

    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

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  4. Playing Shakespeare Season 1 Episode 4 - Speeches and Soliloquies
    9.5/10(10 votes)

    #4 - Speeches and Soliloquies

    S1:E4

    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

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  5. Playing Shakespeare Season 1 Episode 5 - Irony and Ambiguity
    9.1/10(8 votes)

    #5 - Irony and Ambiguity

    S1:E5

    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

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  6. Playing Shakespeare Season 1 Episode 6 - Passion and Coolness
    8.8/10(9 votes)

    #6 - Passion and Coolness

    S1:E6

    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

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  7. Playing Shakespeare Season 1 Episode 7 - Rehearsing the Text
    8.7/10(7 votes)

    #7 - Rehearsing the Text

    S1:E7

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. Playing Shakespeare Season 1 Episode 8 - Exploring a Character
    8.8/10(6 votes)

    #8 - Exploring a Character

    S1:E8

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Playing Shakespeare Season 1 Episode 9 - Poetry and Hidden Poetry
    9.3/10(7 votes)

    #9 - Poetry and Hidden Poetry

    S1:E9

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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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 Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 7/29/1984. This episode is rated 0.2 points higher than the second-best, "Using the Verse".