Discovering Hamlet

Synopsis: Documentary. Follows four weeks of rehearsal as Derek Jacobi directs Kenneth Branagh in the lead role in the Renaissance Theatre Company’s production of Hamlet. The actors describe stage action and the characters they portray, and members of the technical crew discuss aspects of costuming, set design, lighting, and the problems of working with Shakespeare’s text. Narrated by Patrick Stewart.
Language: English
Country: United States
Medium: Television
Technical information: Colour / Sound
Year of release: 1990
Transmission details: (Channel: PBS)
Duration: 53 mins

Director

Mark Olshaker

Producer

Larry Klein

Writer

Mark Olshaker

Contributor

Derek Jacobi; Patrick Stewart

Cast

Theatre company: Renaissance Theatre Company
Production type: Documentary/Educational/News
Historical period: Edwardian
Plays: Hamlet
Subjects: Drama
Keywords: costume design; Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Stage directing; set design; Rehearsals

Notes: Released on DVD by Acorn Media’s documentary imprint Athena in February 2011. The DVD has three hours of bonus features including several interviews with Derek Jacobi and members of the cast.
History: Distributed in the US by PBS Home Video.
Textual information: Text advice by Professor Russell Jackson.

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British Universities Film & Video Council