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.
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Cast
Seasons
- Ep 1
1.The Two Traditions
29-07-198430 minContrasting Shakespeare's elevated language with modern naturalistic speech.
- Ep 2
2.Using the Verse
05-08-198430 minJohn Barton and company examine blank verse. Its strengths and particularities are discussed in great detail. Members of the cast try out various readings.
- Ep 3
3.Language and Character
12-08-198430 minJohn 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 an...
- Ep 4
4.Speeches and Soliloquies
19-08-198430 minJohn Barton and members of the RSC present a workshop on how Shakespeare used the soliloquy to directly connect the character with the audience.
- Ep 5
5.Irony and Ambiguity
26-08-198430 minJohn Barton and the RSC actors consider the subtle shadings produced by irony, ambiguity and sarcasm, and how best to express them.
- Ep 6
6.Passion and Coolness
02-09-198430 minHamlet'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 inte...
- Ep 7
7.Rehearsing the Text
09-09-198430 minJohn Barton and the actors analyze a scene from Twelfth Night, identifying pointers towards character and staging.
- Ep 8
8.Exploring a Character
16-09-198430 min - Ep 9
9.Poetry and Hidden Poetry
23-09-198430 minThe bard's unparalleled poetry is celebrated and examined in its glory.
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