Playing Shakespeare
(1982)Streaming Episode Guide
Season 1
Poetry and Hidden Poetry
Episode 9 - 9-23-1984
53m
The bard's unparalleled poetry is celebrated and examined in its glory.
9.3/10
Haven't Seen
Rehearsing the Text
Episode 7 - 9-09-1984
52m
John Barton and the actors analyze a scene from Twelfth Night, identifying pointers towards character and staging.
8.7/10Haven't Seen
Passion and Coolness
Episode 6 - 9-02-1984
52m
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.
8.8/10Haven't Seen
Irony and Ambiguity
Episode 5 - 8-26-1984
51m
John Barton and the RSC actors consider the subtle shadings produced by irony, ambiguity and sarcasm, and how best to express them.
9.1/10Haven't Seen
Speeches and Soliloquies
Episode 4 - 8-19-1984
52m
John Barton and members of the RSC present a workshop on how Shakespeare used the soliloquy to directly connect the character with the audience.
9.5/10Haven't Seen
Language and Character
Episode 3 - 8-12-1984
51m
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.
8.9/10Haven't Seen
Using the Verse
Episode 2 - 8-05-1984
49m
John Barton and company examine blank verse. Its strengths and particularities are discussed in great detail. Members of the cast try out various readings.
9.4/10Haven't Seen
The Two Traditions
Episode 1 - 7-29-1984
50m
Contrasting Shakespeare's elevated language with modern naturalistic speech.
9.6/10Haven't Seen
Top 5 Highest Rated Episodes 9.6/10 9.5/10 9.4/10 9.3/10 9.1/10
The Two Traditions
Episode 1 - 7-29-1984
50m
Contrasting Shakespeare's elevated language with modern naturalistic speech.
9.6/10Haven't Seen
Speeches and Soliloquies
Episode 4 - 8-19-1984
52m
John Barton and members of the RSC present a workshop on how Shakespeare used the soliloquy to directly connect the character with the audience.
9.5/10Haven't Seen
Using the Verse
Episode 2 - 8-05-1984
49m
John Barton and company examine blank verse. Its strengths and particularities are discussed in great detail. Members of the cast try out various readings.
9.4/10Haven't Seen
Poetry and Hidden Poetry
Episode 9 - 9-23-1984
53m
The bard's unparalleled poetry is celebrated and examined in its glory.
9.3/10Haven't Seen
Irony and Ambiguity
Episode 5 - 8-26-1984
51m
John Barton and the RSC actors consider the subtle shadings produced by irony, ambiguity and sarcasm, and how best to express them.
9.1/10Haven't Seen
