I can watch a performance of Hamlet or Henry V through national theatre at home, but I’m not really going to understand anything about it just by watching it I feel (I tried that). Anyone got recommendations for youtube channels or other online courses? Preferably free or easy to pirate.
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The Soviet versions of Hamlet and King Lear (both directed by Kozintsev) are amazing and must be on youtube for free.
I’d first recommend watching the play once at least then you can use something like cliffnotes for act summaries https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/shakespearecentral
Cliffnotes and spark notes is what got me through Shakespeare at school. Personally I find it fun to sorta trawl through the text and try and figure it out myself but it’s long and tiring. Eventually though you kinda just understand it.
Preferably free or easy to pirate.
I really like these adaptations because they don’t feel like stage plays. They are filmic. Also - and of course - they have excellent subtitles.
The Hollow Crown (TV Series 2012–2016)
A mini-series of adaptations of Shakespeare’s history plays: Richard II, Henry IV: Parts 1 and 2, and Henry V.
I wish they had done more adaptations.
What’s strange is that after a while you start to understand it. Watch one live get the feel then read the play and watch again it’ll all start to make sense
