Playing Shakespeare

Playing Shakespeare is a remarkable nine-part television series that arrived on the television screen in 1982, presented by Acorn Media, which is known for its excellence in producing high-quality British-based shows.

Playing Shakespeare showcases a unique virtual workshop designed to provide an enriching and enlightening experience of observing acclaimed actors and directors revealing the secrets of bringing the works of one of the finest playwrights in English literature, William Shakespeare, to life on stage. The series, instead of being purely instructional, unfolds like an interactive exploration of the tragedy, comedy, history, and romance genres crystallized by Shakespeare through his famous plays. Its objective is twofold: not only to unravel the craft of Shakespearean drama but also to arouse an understanding of phrases and passages that can often come across as indecipherable to the uninitiated.

Hosted by John Barton, who also co-founded the Royal Shakespeare Company, the series involves an ensemble of renowned British actors. This includes famous names like Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, Ben Kingsley, and David Suchet, who together with Barton explore the nuances, demands, and delights of acting in Shakespeare's plays.

Barton is aptly positioned as the anchor, guiding the stars and the audience through the mazes of Shakespeare's language, meter, and characterization. From soliloquies to sonnets, playing with props to articulating archaic words, the actors demonstrate and discuss different facets of the Bard’s oeuvre within an informal setting, enriching every viewer's understanding and involvement with Shakespeare's works. Each episode delves into different elements of critical analysis, allowing a comprehensive approach to Bard’s prolific works, resonating with the range of his global audiences.

What sets Playing Shakespeare apart is the demystifying approach to interpreting and presenting Shakespeare’s works, shedding light on the intimate relationship between the text, the actor, and the theater space. Through a relaxed and congenial series of workshop discussions and comprehensive devising and rehearsing of play extracts, the series gives a clear insight into how actors prepare for their roles, deal with Shakespeare's intricate verse, develop characters, handle props and costumes, and work in collaboration with other actors in the same space.

While it comes across as an invaluable guide for theater performers, directors, and students, the series is equally engrossing for Shakespeare enthusiasts and casual viewers who want to acquaint themselves with the intricacies of his plays and develop their understanding of his often complex language. The series strikes the delicate balance of being educative, with its rehearsing and performance techniques for theater practitioners, and accessible and enjoyable for ordinary viewers too.

What remains unique to Playing Shakespeare is its ability to maintain interest in anyone who appreciates finely crafted dialogue, realized through exquisite performances. These performances, ranging from vibrant to poignant, serve to illuminate the depth and intricacies of the Bard’s works like never before. Its stellar cast of Best actor Academy Award winner Ben Kingsley to Emmy and Tony Awards recipient Judi Dench, coupled with Patrick Stewart’s sophisticated energy, the class of Ian McKellen, David Suchet's versatility, and John Barton's seasoned direction, all make for a truly grand spectacle.

The series has been immortalized in DVD series by Acorn Media, rendering the palatable blend of bardic literature and excellent performances for posterity. Substantive and entertaining, Playing Shakespeare creatively contextualizes the timeless relevance of Shakespeare’s creations, offering endless fascination for theater practitioners, literature students, or anyone interested in the magic of words and the subtleties of performance.

Playing Shakespeare is a formidable journey into understanding how the Bard’s complex web of human emotions is translated onto the stage. It works as both a celebratory exploration of great Shakespearean works and an aspirational prototype of an acting masterclass. The episodes are inseparable from any engagement with Shakespeare – from a neophyte's initiation into Shakespeare's world to an aficionado's quest for insight. It is also pivotal for performers and directors, who can find in the series a wealth of inspiration and guidance in mastering their craft.

In conclusion, Playing Shakespeare is much more than just a television series; it’s a theater workshop, a literary exploration, and a veritable treasure chest for anyone who wishes to explore Shakespeare and his timeless contributions.