Hamlet: Act One, Part One

Hamlet: Act Three, Part Two

The second half of Act Three of Hamlet features some of the most profound meta-theatrical writing, direction, and performance in the history of stage and screen.   This episode features detailed analysis of the play within the play, the many roles of Hamlet, King Claudius's confession, and Hamlet's visit to his mother's bedroom. There are clips from a wide range of adaptations to bring the text to life. No prior knowledge is required to enjoy this production.  Hopefully, this series will be a valuable resource for those who wish to teach the play; a clear and accessible introduction for newcomers; and a source of fresh analysis for those already familiar with this ambiguous and awe-inspiring work of literature.

Hamlet: Act Three . . . To Be or Not To Be?

Hamlet: Act Three, Scene One contains some of the most iconic lines ever written. This episode is a thorough analysis of this celebrated scene, including clips from various performances. This is the scene when the actor playing Hamlet must completely immerse himself in the role. No prior knowledge is required to enjoy this production.  Hopefully, this series will be a valuable resource for those who wish to teach the play; a clear and accessible introduction for newcomers; and a source of fresh analysis for those already familiar with this ambiguous and awe-inspiring work of literature.

Hamlet: Act Two

Act Two of Hamlet is full of plots, schemes, and ruses. The characters are laying traps and setting wheels into motion There is also meta-dramatic theatrical trickery and both a literal and a symbolic Trojan Horse. Wild stuff. This episode features detailed analysis of all the various schemes and clips from a wide range of adaptations to bring the text to life. No prior knowledge is required to enjoy this production.  Hopefully, this series will be a valuable resource for those who wish to teach the play; a clear and accessible introduction for newcomers; and a source of fresh analysis for those already familiar with this ambiguous and awe-inspiring work of literature.

Hamlet: Act One, Part Two

Hamlet: a ghost story, a revenge play, and so much more. In the second half of Act One, as The Big Lebowski puts it, "New shit has come to light." We will examine all this new information, and there will be clips from a wide range of adaptations to bring the text to life. No prior knowledge is required to enjoy this production.  Hopefully, this series will be a valuable resource for those who wish to teach the play; a clear and accessible introduction for newcomers; and a source of fresh analysis for those already familiar with this ambiguous and awe-inspiring work of literature.

Hamlet: Act One, Part One

Hamlet: a sprawling, shaggy masterpiece and the ultimate example of collaborative achievement. How did a Norse legend eventually lead to Shakespeare's timeless Elizabethan masterpiece? This episode briefly traces the historical origins of the play before delving into the first half of Act One. Clips from a wide range of adaptations bring the text to life, showcasing the breadth of interpretations of this oft-performed play. No prior knowledge is required to enjoy this production.  Hopefully, this series will be a valuable resource for those who wish to teach the play; a clear and accessible introduction for newcomers; and a source of fresh analysis for those already familiar with this ambiguous and awe-inspiring work of literature.