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Associated Movie: Hamlet, starring Kenneth
Branagh, Richard Attenborough, Julie Christie, Judi Dench and Gérard
Depardieu "Highly Recommended. An excellent program as an actor acts out five soliloquies from the play and the narrator explains the significance of each." -NAMTC/NMM Review "Highly Recommended. Richard Ouzounian's commentary relates Hamlet's inner struggles quite effectively with modern concerns, particularly in taking responsibility for one's actions, and considerations of the implications of suicide. This will be especially valuable to those teaching or studying Shakespeare, but it's also extremely appealing entertainment worth repeat viewings." -EMRO Review Richard Ouzounian introduces us to William Shakespeare's play, Hamlet; the tragedy, which is set in Denmark and tells how Prince Hamlet takes revenge on his uncle Claudius, who not only murdered Hamlet's father, the King, but also married Hamlet's mother and took over the throne. Through five soliloquies we follow the inner life of Hamlet, using Act 1, Scene 2; Act III, Scene 1 - "To be or not to be"; Act II, Scene 2; Act V, Scene 1; Act V, Scene 2. We begin with Hamlet's disgust at himself and his present situation; next, we examine his longing to leave the world; then we see his realization of human mortality and his final acceptance. 08DR JSCA 30 min. Associated Program: Playing Shakespeare |
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Richard Ouzounian introduces us to the play, Julius
Caesar, a tragedy by William Shakespeare. Different from the other three
programs in the series, the characters in this program are not dressed in
period clothing, but as modern day people; thus symbolizing how conflicts
with honor, patriotism, and friendship are ageless and are faced by all
generations. The story remains the same; although named for Julius Caesar,
the play centers on Caesar's friend, Marcus Brutus, and his dramatic
struggle with his own conscience. Three scenes, Act I, Scene 2; Act II,
Scene 1; Act IV, Scene 2, help us look at the character of Brutus, and how
he and Cassius work out their troubled relationship. First, Cassius plants
the seeds of revolution in Brutus' mind; next Brutus decides to kill Caesar;
then, after the assassination, with Rome at war, we see Brutus and Cassius
fighting over their own personal concerns. 08DR JSCA 30 min. Associated Program: Playing Shakespeare |
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"Highly Recommended. An excellent production that is
easily understood with a narrator who explains and identifies the universal
themes in Shakespeare's plot lines. It is easy to follow and the narrator
interjects at the appropriate time to explain the key scenes."
-NAMTC/NMM Review Richard Ouzounian introduces us to King Lear, which is considered one of William Shakespeare's greatest plays. Based on the legend of King Leir of Britain, this tragedy is known for its intense observations about the nature of human suffering and friendship. This program follows King Lear through his journey into madness. First, Lear meets and banters with Kent and the Fool; then the Fool gives way to fears of madness; next we see Lear raging against the elements; then Lear praying for comprehension and salvation. 08DR JSCA 30 min. Associated Program: Playing Shakespeare |
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Associated Movie: Macbeth, starring Orson
Welles "Highly Recommended. Richard Ouzounian's commentary combined with the fine acting in the selected scenes makes this 'Macbeth' an extraordinarily entertaining and informative viewing." -EMRO Review "Highly Recommended. This program is perfectly appropriate for today's teens." -School Library Journal Richard Ouzounian introduces us to one of William Shakespeare's most well known plays, Macbeth, a tragedy that tells of the dangers for the lust of power and the betrayal of friends. This program looks at the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, using Act I, Scene 7; Act II, Scene 2; Act V, Scene 1; Act V, Scene 5. First, Lady Macbeth convinces her husband to kill Duncan; next we see Macbeth's panic and Lady Macbeth's resolve; then we examine how each deals with guilt; finally, Lady Macbeth is destroyed and Macbeth finds only despair. 08DR JSCA 30 min. Associated Program: Playing Shakespeare |