BBC Shakespeare
LONDON, Nov. 18 (UPI) — The BBC is embarking on an ambitious project to produce new versions of all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays over the next 12 years, employing an ensemble cast.
The BBC originally presented Shakespearean works 30 years ago in a widely heralded seven-year series.
This time around, the BBC enlisted Oscar-winner Sam Mendes to produce the entire series. Among the notable stars being called upon to act in the Bard’s plays are Judi Dench, Jude Law, Ian McKellen and Kate Winslet, The Sunday Telegraph reported Sunday.
“The moment I took the idea to the BBC, they grasped it with both hands, and in a sense they are the only people who could help pull it off,” Mendes said.
BBC is discussing a joint finance deal for the series with HBO.
This is incredibly exciting. I am a big fan of the original series, because sometimes I need a video of one of the more obscure plays, whether I’m teaching it, or I’m just in the mood to watch it. And it’s difficult to find a good production of, say, Measure for Measure at Blockbuster, so it’s nice to have access to a complete set.
But the prospect of another complete set, with modern-day actors and production values is even better. Plus, there will be the opportunity to compare the two versions, which always makes a good classroom activity.
But even forgetting all of that, we’re going to get 37 new BBC Shakespeare video productions over the next twelve years! I do hope HBO gets on board, or at least that there’s some way to see the videos in America (BBC-A?). I can’t wait to see another Pericles, another Measure for Measure, another King John, and another Cymbeline. And yes, another Hamlet and another King Lear and another Richard III too – there’s plenty to be excited about!
Perhaps we can even discuss the productions here, as they air.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:42 am
Not a big Mendes film fan — still think he lucked into that Best Director Oscar for American Beauty behind Conrad Hall’s cinematography — but having him aboard pretty much ensures participation by the wife, which is really the main reason I hate him.
November 27th, 2007 at 12:38 pm
I see Neel’s point about Mendes. I saw his production of THE VERTICAL HOUR last year and it was DREADFULLY directed. But I have high hopes for his wife’s participation. Her Ophelia in Branagh’s HAMLET film was the best thing about it I thought….
November 29th, 2007 at 3:50 am
Wow! Wow! Wow! This is the coolest thing I’ve read in a long long time. And all in 12 years? Amazing. I’ll have to upgrade my cable to include BBC (something Dr. Who has made me come close to doing already).
Mendes IS a concern but he’s producing, not directing so there’s hope.
December 1st, 2007 at 1:05 am
You know, I have BBC America, but I don’t watch it nearly enough. I catch a few episodes of Hotel Babylon every now and then, because I read the book and found the idea interesting. (Emma Pierson is interesting as well. When it comes to women, I don’t know if I have a type, but Emma Pierson is my type.)
Also, it would help with the 3-D Pic-Tac-Toes.
December 1st, 2007 at 12:11 pm
I don’t know the show. What is the idea and how would it help with the 3-D Pic Tac Toes?
December 1st, 2007 at 2:40 pm
Sorry. Two very different things are going on in my last statement.
I should watch BBC America more often because (1) I like what/who I’ve seen with Hotel Babylon, and (2) British shows like Hu$tle and Doctor Who have figured prominently in your past puzzles. It’s not long before, say, Coupling becomes your next B5 center image.
The idea behind the book was that the goings-on behind the 5-star London hotel were in fact highly un-dainty and somewhat disgusting. Sort of explained why you should never use the drinking glass left for you in your room without cleaning it yourself, for example. Anyway, I thought it would make a good TV series, and I was surprised to learn that someone had. The show is not disgusting, but still has its dark elements.
And I think what I said about Emma Pierson made complete sense.
December 1st, 2007 at 5:32 pm
Not really, but I gotcha.
Hu$tle was on AMC, but I think you’d probably like it.