PLAYING SHAKESPEARE
Acorn Media US - Athena Learning / Region 1 / Out NowFeaturing Judi Dench, Ben Kingsley, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellan, David Suchet
Playing Shakespeare, released by Acorn's new Athena documentary label, is a superlative early 1980's glimpse into how Britains top acting talent get their mind into Shakespeare's World.
The pinnacle for any actor is to enjoy a season with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the twenty one performers who are featured in this nine part series have all not only made the RSC their home at one stage or another but have gone on to become renowned around the world.
Put together by leading RSC director John Barton the series is basically a collection of workshops in which the likes of Dame Judi Dench, Sinead Cusack, Susan Fleetwood, Michael (husband of Dame Judi) Williams, Ian McKellan, Patrick Stewart, Dame Peggy Ashcroft, Ben Kingsley and David Suchet (to name just a few) explore the lines and dynamics behind the works of Shakespeare.
Made for ITV's London Weekend Television and first broadcast in 1982, the four disc set is quite frankly dazzling, an opportunity to see just what makes these celebrated actors tick, it's a must see for any burgeoning actor too of course.
The set also includes a history of the RSC, actors bios, extras you can access via web links and an excellent 20 page viewing guide with extensive notes.
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