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Comment by el_nahual | Hacker News Reader

Anyone who likes Shakespeare--or anyone who wants to like it--should watch this marvelous BBC Series called "Playing Shakespeare": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2VnxiW3oqk&list=PLboSQWmG70...

It's produced by the Royal Shakespeare company and is comprised simply of some of the greatest shakeasperean actors (Judi Dench, Ian McKellan, David Suchet, Patrick Stewart) talking about different elements of how to act shakespare.

I recommend starting with Episode 8, "Exploring a character" if only to see David Suchet utterly outclass (the much more famous) Patrick Stewart in their portrayal of Shylock.

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This clip by Ian McKellan talking about acting Macbeth was an eye-opener for me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGbZCgHQ9m8

It shows what a genius and consummate professional McKellan is, and demonstrates the effort he puts into preparing for acting.

OT wrt. Shakespeare, but David Suchet's portrayal of Agatha Christie's Poirot is one of my favorite shows.

What a wonderful classy portrayal of the character!

I enjoy it more with each repeated viewing.

What an amazing series. My favorite bit has to be the Love's Labor's Lost bit at the top of ep. 3, followed by an excerpt from A Bit of Fry and Laurie that makes a joke at the expense of folks like John Barton that he's able to laugh along with.

There's so much about the language of Shakespeare that needs to be vocalized and heard to understand. It took me way too long to realize that not all of his iambic pentameter was "correct' rhythmically, and that those variances _meant_ something. Watching and hearing these actors work through their scenes (and sometimes having their work adjusted live!) was truly eye-opening as to how the language of Shakespeare, arcane though it is, was deliberate, purposeful and useful.

To add to this, I have a much deeper appreciation for all the works of Shakespeare I have seen performed rather than merely read. Even hearing certain soliloquies out loud makes them much more powerful and engaging.

I think Shakespeare is better if you suspend belief a bit in some plot machinations and enjoy the work as performed and written. It's not that you shouldn't analyze the work and think deeply on its themes, but I find that many approach Shakespeare as a philosopher first rather than as a playwright and poet.

I found this on YouTube a couple of years ago, and yes, it's great.

What a wonderful discovery - thank you!

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