In the Classroom: Kevin Kline and Joseph Papp Discuss ‘Hamlet’

Synopsis: Two discussions on Shakespeare’s Hamlet conducted with New York City high school students. In the first (in an unidentifed classroom) Kline discusses his views and experiences of playing Hamlet, currently playing at the New York Shakespeare Festival. Producer Joseph Papp, adds his views. The second discussion, recorded at the Bayard Rustin High School for the Humanities, New York, NY in April 1986, is led by Papp. The debate includes how the role has been performed historically, discussions of Hamlet’s soliloquies and understanding and interpreting Shakespeare’s texts. The tape also includes interviews with students who discuss their experiences with Shakespeare and their reactions to Papp’s comments.
Language: English
Country: United States
Medium: Video
Technical information: Colour / Sound
Recording date: 1986
Duration: 75 mins

General: The Belasco Project was an educational programme in Shakespeare for New York City students and teachers founded by Joseph Papp in collaboration with the Board of Education and with the Shubert Organisation who provided the Belasco Theatre free of charge. In the 1980s plays were performed by multi-racial casts for over 100,000 students, teachers and parents.

British Universities Film & Video Council