Playing Shakespeare (1984)

In the twilight of the 70s, Trevor Nunn, the then artistic maestro of the revered Royal Shakespeare Company, masterminded an enlightening two-part television workshop. This intriguing venture, designed to delve into the nuances of performing Shakespeare's timeless masterpieces, saw Nunn collaborate with RSC co-founder and Associate Director John Barton. A constellation of stage luminaries, including the likes of Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, and Jane Lapotaire, graced the workshop, which was co-produced with London Weekend Television and aired as part of the South Bank Show series under the moniker "Word of Mouth." As the curtain rose on the 80s, Barton breathed new life into the series, introducing nine additional episodes. An array of new talents, including Ben Kingsley and Sinead Cusack, joined the original troupe, with Judi Dench, Roger Rees, and Dame Peggy Ashcroft taking center stage in individual episodes. The series took place on an intimate sound stage dressed with rehearsal props and costumes, creating an atmosphere of raw creativity. A select audience, nestled among folding chairs, bore witness to the magic unfolding before them. The essence of "Playing Shakespeare" lies in the vibrant exchanges led by Barton, who breaks the fourth wall, sharing insights with the audience and coaching the actors. These moments of candid conversation and exploration of the Bard's multifaceted works form the heart of this unique series. The DVD collection, however, features only the nine additional episodes, each a mélange of revelation and performance, providing viewers a front-row seat to the artistry and interpretation of Shakespeare's works.

Playing Shakespeare is a documentary show.

It is possible to buy Playing Shakespeare on Amazon Video.