SHAKESPEARE

Alternative title

Hamlet by Brook/Peter Brook’s Hamlet

Synopsis

Peter Brook’s 2002 screen adaptation of Hamlet based on his Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord, Paris, production The Tragedy of Hamlet.

Language

English

Country

France

Medium

Television; Video

Technical information

Colour / Sound

Year of release

2001

Transmission details

6 Mar 2002 (Channel: BBC4)

Duration

203 mins

Additional Details

Theatre

Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord, Paris

Production type

Documentary/Educational/News

Plays

Hamlet

Subjects

Drama

Keywords

Brook, Peter (1925-); Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Multicultural casting; Doubling of roles

Related items

Peter Brook

Peter Brook on Hamlet

Peter Brook’s Hamlet

Notes

Notes

A version of the same production was broadcast on BBC4 on 6/3/02 under the title PETER BROOK ON HAMLET and is available for sale on video from BBC Worldwide (£495.00 combined with 2 other programmes) under the title HAMLET 2002.

The two-film DVD also features Brook by Brook, A Portrait in Time, a 2001 documentary by Simon Brook on his father. In English with French subtitles. DVD extras include a booklet containing an essay by screenwriter Jean-Claude Carriere, About Hamlet by Peter Brook, and Peter and Simon Brook biographies.

Sections

Title

Tragedy of Hamlet, The

Synopsis

A recording of Peter Brook’s production of Hamlet shot at the Theatre de Bouffes du Nord, Paris. Peter Brook has stripped the work of what he refers to as ‘the unessential’ - down to two hours - to focus on the myth at the heart of the play. The production is simply staged on a rectangle of red-orange cloth with only a couple of benches and a scattering of multi-coloured cushions, accompanied by a haunting soundscape ranging from muffled bells to birds in flight. The production uses only eight actors and the speeches and scenes are reassigned, with roles frequently being doubled or tripled.

Duration

132 mins

Title

Brook by Brook

Synopsis

The documentary BROOK BY BROOK accompanies THE TRAGEDY OF HAMLET. Directed by Brook’s son, Simon, this video portrait offers an intimate look at the theatre legend. Peter Brook reveals many insights into his life and work, including his unique techniques with actors.

Duration

72 mins

Production Company

Name

ARTE France

Email

http://www.arteboutique.com/inputContact.action

Web

http://boutique.arte.tv/ External site opens in new window

Address

STACI
ARTE Boutique 1610
B.P. 59124 - 95074 Cergy Pontoise
France

Notes

An extensive range of programmes broadcast on the French Arte channel, relating to art and culture. Most are only available in French, but some have English audio or subtitles. Sale on Region 2 PAL DVD.

Distributor

Name

Retail outlets

Distributor (Sale)

Name

Quantum Leap

Notes

The company ceased trading in 2018. It was previously a distributor and online retailer specialising in non-fiction DVD titles on a wide variety of subjects, particularly in the areas of music instruction, music performance, sport instruction, and health. Some titles also available through retail outlets.