British Universities Film & Video Council

moving image and sound, knowledge and access

Richard II: Casting a King

Synopsis
Educational videotape. Casting often determines where an audience’s sympathy lies; choosing an actor to play a major role like Richard II or Bolingbroke can be a complex procedure, often requiring a specialist with considerable knowledge. This programme looks at three different renditions of Shakespeare’s deposed king as interpreted by Ian McKellen, Derek Jacobi, and Fiona Shaw. Wendy Spon, head of casting at the Royal National Theatre, discusses some of the chief considerations for making these choices. Presented by Penelope Rixon.
Series
Staging Dreams: Casting and Interpreting Shakespeare
Language
English
Country
United States
Medium
Video
Technical information
Colour / Sound
Year of release
1998
Duration
33 mins

Credits

Contributor
Derek Jacobi; Fiona Shaw; Ian McKellen; Penelope Rixon; Wendy Spon

Additional Details

Production type
Documentary/Educational/News
Plays
Richard II
Subjects
Drama
Keywords
gender representation; Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Casting (roles); Gender reversal

Notes

Notes
Only available in the USA and Canada.

Distributor (Sale)

Name

Films for the Humanities & Sciences

Email
custserv.@films.com
Web
http://ffh.films.com/ External site opens in new window
Fax
+1 609 671 0266
Address
132 West 31st Street, 17th Floor
New York
NY 10001
USA
Notes
Films for the Humanities & Sciences is part of the US-based Films Media Group and specialises in selling programmes aimed at the HE and FE education and training market. The collection has thousands of titles and a range of separate subject catalogues is available in pdf format at http://ffh.films.com/landing.aspx?show=Catalogs/catalog_FFH.htm. Sale on video/DVD or online viewing via the Films on Demand service.

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