Brook by Brook

Alternative title: Hamlet by Brook/Peter Brook’s Hamlet
Synopsis: Peter Brook’s 2002 screen adaptation of Hamlet based on his Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord, Paris, production The Tragedy of Hamlet.
Language: English
Country: France
Medium: Television; Video
Technical information: Colour / Sound
Year of release: 2001
Transmission details: 6 Mar 2002 (Channel: BBC4)
Duration: 203 mins

Theatre: Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord, Paris
Production type: Documentary/Educational/News
Plays: Hamlet
Subjects: Drama
Keywords: Brook, Peter (1925-); Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Multicultural casting; Doubling of roles
Related items: Peter Brook; Peter Brook on Hamlet; Peter Brook’s Hamlet

Notes: A version of the same production was broadcast on BBC4 on 6/3/02 under the title PETER BROOK ON HAMLET and is available for sale on video from BBC Worldwide (£495.00 combined with 2 other programmes) under the title HAMLET 2002.

The two-film DVD also features Brook by Brook, A Portrait in Time, a 2001 documentary by Simon Brook on his father. In English with French subtitles. DVD extras include a booklet containing an essay by screenwriter Jean-Claude Carriere, About Hamlet by Peter Brook, and Peter and Simon Brook biographies.

Title: Tragedy of Hamlet, The
Synopsis: A recording of Peter Brook’s production of Hamlet shot at the Theatre de Bouffes du Nord, Paris. Peter Brook has stripped the work of what he refers to as ‘the unessential’ - down to two hours - to focus on the myth at the heart of the play. The production is simply staged on a rectangle of red-orange cloth with only a couple of benches and a scattering of multi-coloured cushions, accompanied by a haunting soundscape ranging from muffled bells to birds in flight. The production uses only eight actors and the speeches and scenes are reassigned, with roles frequently being doubled or tripled.
Duration: 132 mins
Title: Brook by Brook
Synopsis: The documentary BROOK BY BROOK accompanies THE TRAGEDY OF HAMLET. Directed by Brook’s son, Simon, this video portrait offers an intimate look at the theatre legend. Peter Brook reveals many insights into his life and work, including his unique techniques with actors.
Duration: 72 mins

Name: ARTE France
Email: http://www.arteboutique.com/inputContact.action
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Address: STACI
ARTE Boutique 1610
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Notes: An extensive range of programmes broadcast on the French Arte channel, relating to art and culture. Most are only available in French, but some have English audio or subtitles. Sale on Region 2 PAL DVD.

Name: Quantum Leap
Notes: The company ceased trading in 2018. It was previously a distributor and online retailer specialising in non-fiction DVD titles on a wide variety of subjects, particularly in the areas of music instruction, music performance, sport instruction, and health. Some titles also available through retail outlets.

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British Universities Film & Video Council