SHAKESPEARE

Synopsis

Educational videotape. Casting often determines where an audience’s sympathy lies; choosing an actor to play a major role like Richard II or Bolingbroke can be a complex procedure, often requiring a specialist with considerable knowledge. This programme looks at three different renditions of Shakespeare’s deposed king as interpreted by Ian McKellen, Derek Jacobi, and Fiona Shaw. Wendy Spon, head of casting at the Royal National Theatre, discusses some of the chief considerations for making these choices. Presented by Penelope Rixon.

Series

Staging Dreams: Casting and Interpreting Shakespeare

Language

English

Country

United States

Medium

Video

Technical information

Colour / Sound

Year of release

1998

Duration

33 mins

Credits

Contributor

Derek Jacobi; Fiona Shaw; Ian McKellen; Penelope Rixon; Wendy Spon

Additional Details

Production type

Documentary/Educational/News

Plays

Richard II

Subjects

Drama

Keywords

gender representation; Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Casting (roles); Gender reversal

Notes

Notes

Only available in the USA and Canada.

Distributor (Sale)

Name

Films for the Humanities & Sciences

Email

custserv.@films.com

Web

http://ffh.films.com/ External site opens in new window

Fax

+1 609 671 0266

Address

132 West 31st Street, 17th Floor
New York
NY 10001
USA

Notes

Films for the Humanities & Sciences is part of the US-based Films Media Group and specialises in selling programmes aimed at the HE and FE education and training market. The collection has thousands of titles and a range of separate subject catalogues is available in pdf format at http://ffh.films.com/landing.aspx?show=Catalogs/catalog_FFH.htm. Sale on video/DVD or online viewing via the Films on Demand service.