Players of Shakespeare

Players of Shakespeare is a collection of essays by actors who have performed major roles in Royal Shakespeare Company productions. Each essay provides insights into how the performer approached and interpreted their character, including their process, choices, and discoveries during rehearsal and performance. The book features contributions from influential RSC actors like Ian McKellen, Judi Dench, and Ben Kingsley discussing roles such as Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and Brutus. The essays cover technical aspects of staging and delivery while revealing the personal connections performers formed with their characters. The book serves as both a practical resource for theater practitioners and an exploration of how Shakespeare's characters take shape through performance. Through these first-hand accounts, readers gain understanding of the collaborative nature of theater and the evolution that occurs when actors embody classical roles. The collection illuminates the enduring relevance of Shakespeare's characters and the myriad ways they can be interpreted on stage. Each essay demonstrates how individual performers find contemporary resonance in centuries-old text while honoring theatrical tradition.

Readers value this collection for its behind-the-scenes insights from RSC actors about performing specific Shakespeare roles. Many reviewers note the academic yet accessible writing style that reveals technical details about character interpretation and staging choices. Likes: - First-hand accounts from performers like Ian McKellen and Judi Dench - Practical examples of how actors approached famous speeches - Discussion of historical context that informed performance choices Dislikes: - Some essays are more engaging than others - A few readers found certain technical acting discussions too specialized - Limited coverage of secondary characters Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (42 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (12 ratings) "Fascinating look at how great actors tackle these complex roles" - Goodreads reviewer "Too focused on lead roles, would have liked more about ensemble work" - Amazon reviewer "The McKellen essay on Macbeth alone is worth the price" - Theatre Database forum member

Speaking the Speech by Giles Block An analysis of Shakespeare's verse from the perspective of actors and directors who have staged his works at the Globe Theatre.

Year of the King by Antony Sher A diary-format account of an actor's preparation to play Richard III at the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Shakespeare at Work by John Jones A study of Shakespeare's creative process through examination of original texts, stage directions, and historical documents from productions during his lifetime.

Playing Shakespeare by John Barton A practical guide to performing Shakespeare's text based on the landmark RSC television series featuring Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, and Judi Dench.

Shakespeare in Company by Bart van Es An examination of Shakespeare's collaborative relationships with his fellow actors, writers, and theater companies, revealing how these connections shaped his plays.

🎭 "Players of Shakespeare" features essays written by Royal Shakespeare Company actors about their experiences performing specific roles, offering rare first-hand insights into character interpretation 📚 The book series (which grew to multiple volumes) includes contributions from legendary actors like Ian McKellen, Judi Dench, and Ben Kingsley 🎬 Editor Philip Brockbank pioneered the academic study of performance criticism, bridging the gap between theatrical practice and literary analysis ⭐ Many drama schools and theater programs use these essays as teaching tools, particularly for understanding how classical texts can be interpreted for modern audiences 🏛️ The series was developed in collaboration with Cambridge University Press and the Royal Shakespeare Company, representing a unique partnership between academic and theatrical institutions