Playing Shakespeare(1984)

Playing Shakespeare is a documentary series featuring legendary director John Barton conducting an in-depth master class on performing the Bard's work. Using Royal Shakespeare Company actors, Barton dissects scenes, sonnets, and key dramatic moments to reveal the techniques behind bringing Shakespeare's language to life on stage. The series explores how actors unlock meaning in the text, navigate verse and prose, and develop character through close textual analysis. Barton's insights span comedy, tragedy, and history, offering practical guidance on interpretation and delivery. Essential viewing for actors, students, and Shakespeare enthusiasts, Playing Shakespeare demystifies the craft of performing one of literature's greatest writers and demonstrates why his work continues to captivate audiences centuries after it was written.