Shakespeare, Language and the Elizabethan Mind

Synopsis: A talk by actor and author Ben Crystal. "What would it have been like to go to the theatre in Shakespeare’s time? Just as the English language was going through great change, so was the city of London. The world was rocked by the death of Elizabeth I, and James’ accession to the English throne. Shakespeare’s audience had a tremendous ability to suspend their disbelief. They would have been thrilled by his language play, by new words he invented and by the worlds he and his actors took them to. His works are revitalised when seen through the eyes of the people he was trying to entertain. Ben Crystal dives into the hearts, minds and words of Shakespeare’s world." [Synopsis from BL online catalogue].
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Medium: Audio
Recording date: 25 Feb 2011
Duration: 81:38

Production type: Documentary/Educational/News
Subjects: Drama
Keywords: language; Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Elizabethan stage; Elizabethan English

Notes: Recorded at the British Library Conference Centre as part of series of events complementing the ‘Evolving English’ exhibition at the British Library.

SHAKESPEARE