Shakespeare Workshop 2: The Comic Spirit

Subtitle: Comic spirit, The
Alternative title: Comic Spirit, The
Synopsis: Documentary made for schools. Compares and contrasts different styles and type of humour through the ages. Explains the elements of comedy used by Shakespeare including the use of mischief, power of the unexpected, love at first sight, verbal dexterity, stinging power of wit, magic of music, convention of disguise, misfortune and tragic potential, and the role of clowns. Examples are taken from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, As You Like It, The Taming of the Shrew and Much Ado About Nothing performed by The New Shakespeare Company from Open Air Theatre Regent Park. Produced for the Inner London Education Authority (ILEA) and written and presented by David Whitworth.
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Medium: Video
Technical information: Colour / Sound
Year of release: 1982
Duration: 60 mins
Availability: Out of UK distribution

Director

Noel Hardy

Producer

Noel Hardy

Writer

David Whitworth

Contributor

David Whitworth

Cast

Notes: The videotape is made available to staff and students of the Institute of Education, University of London. Researchers outside the Institute should contact the Institute of Education Library to enquire about viewing.
Uses: Secondary school drama.

SHAKESPEARE