Playing Shakespeare

September 4 and September 11
Word of Mouth: Episodes One and Two
The Royal Shakespeare Company gives a workshop on Shakespeare's verse before an invited audience. It is led by RSC joint artistic director Trevor Nunn, with fellow directors John Barton and Terry Hands.

The actors are Alan Howard, Jane Lapotaire, Ian McKellan, Michael Pennington, Patrick Stewart and David Suchet.' 'The Royal Shakespeare Company gives its second masterclass on performing Shakespeare before an invited audience.

Director John Barton works on a scene from 'Troilus and Cressida' with Alan Howard, Michael Pennington, Ian McKellan, Patrick Stewart and David Suchet.

Ian McKellan describes the thoughts and ideas that run through an actor's mind as he prepares for a major soliloquy, and Patrick Stewart contrast two different performances of the speech by Enobarbus from 'Antony and Cleopatra.'  The programme is introduced by Trevor Nunn.

Playing Shakespeare

September 18
The Two Traditions Episode One
Contrasting Shakespeare's elevated language with modern naturalistic speech.

September 25
 Using the Verse Episode Two
John Barton and company examine blank verse. Its strengths and particularities are discussed in great detail. Members of the cast try out various readings.

October 2
 Language and Character Episode Three
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.

October 9
 Exploring a Character Episode Four
John Barton, Patrick Stewart, and David Suchet explore different ways to play Shylock in Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice".

October 16
 Set Speeches and Soliloquies Episode Five
John Barton and members of the RSC present a workshop on how Shakespeare used the soliloquy to directly connect the character with the audience.

October 23
 Irony and Ambiguity Episode Six
John Barton and the RSC actors consider the subtle shadings produced by irony, ambiguity and sarcasm, and how best to express them.

October 30
 Passion and Coolness Episode Seven
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.

November 6
Rehearsing the Text Episode Eight
John Barton and the actors analyze a scene from Twelfth Night, identifying pointers towards character and staging.

November 13
Poetry and Hidden Poetry E;isode Nine
The bard's unparalleled poetry is celebrated and examined in its glory.