Playing Shakespeare

Sinéad Cusack

Acting

Patrick Stewart

Acting

Richard Pasco

Acting

Barbara Leigh-Hunt

Acting

Alan Howard

Acting

Norman Rodway

Acting

Donald Sinden

Acting

Peggy Ashcroft

Acting

Ben Kingsley

Acting

Jane Lapotaire

Acting

Mike Gwilym

Acting

Roger Rees

Acting

Susan Fleetwood

Acting

David Suchet

Acting

Michael Pennington

Acting

Sheila Hancock

Acting

Judi Dench

Acting

Seasons

Season 1

9 episodes

Premiered Jul 29, 1984

Episodes

1–6 of 9

Ep 1

The Two Traditions

Jul 29, 1984

Contrasting Shakespeare's elevated language with modern naturalistic speech.

Ep 2

Using the Verse

Aug 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.

Ep 3

Language and Character

Aug 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.

Ep 4

Speeches and Soliloquies

Aug 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.

Ep 5

Irony and Ambiguity

Aug 26, 1984

John Barton and the RSC actors consider the subtle shadings produced by irony, ambiguity and sarcasm, and how best to express them.

Ep 6

Passion and Coolness

Sep 2, 1984