Playing Shakespeare

The Two Traditions

Contrasting Shakespeare's elevated language with modern naturalistic speech.

Using the Verse

John Barton and company examine blank verse. Its strengths and particularities are discussed in gre...

Language and Character

John Barton and the cast discuss how Shakespeare defines his character by the language they speak,...

Speeches and Soliloquies

John Barton and members of the RSC present a workshop on how Shakespeare used the soliloquy to dire...

Irony and Ambiguity

John Barton and the RSC actors consider the subtle shadings produced by irony, ambiguity and sarcas...

Passion and Coolness

Hamlet's advice to the players is the best-known acting instruction in theatrical history. John Bar...

Rehearsing the Text

John Barton and the actors analyze a scene from Twelfth Night, identifying pointers towards charact...

Exploring a Character

Poetry and Hidden Poetry

The bard's unparalleled poetry is celebrated and examined in its glory.