13 episodes
Much Ado About Nothing National Theatre
-
- Arts
In Much Ado About Nothing Benedick and Beatrice are engaged in a very "merry war"; they are both proclaim their scorn for love, marriage, and each other. In contrast, Claudio and Hero are idealistic young people fall who fall in love at first sight. By means of "noting" (which sounds the same as "nothing," and which is gossip, rumour, and overhearing) these characters go through a series of misunderstandings, mishaps and heartbreak. This collection is from the NT Archive, filmed as part of the 2007 production at the National Theatre directed by Nicholas Hytner. Included in this collection are interviews with Nicholas Hytner, Simon Russell Beale and Zoë Wanamaker, as well as a workpack featuring teacher's notes.
-
Much Ado About Nothing - Workpack
This is a workpack for Nicholas Hytner's 2007 production of Much Ado About Nothing. Included in this pack are teaching notes and articles on various aspects of the play
-
- video
Olivier Ford Davies analyses Leonato's speech
Olivier Ford Davies (Leonato) offers an in-depth analysis of his character's speech during the wedding scene.
-
- video
Simon Russell Beale talks us through the wedding scene
Simon Russell Beale talks through the wedding scene from Benedick's point of view. He explains how Claudio's denouncement of Hero is a turning point for Benedick, which prompts him to side with the women in the play for the first time. It's also the point in the play when Benedick confesses his love for Beatrice, and when Beatrice asks Benedick to kill Claudio.
-
- video
Simon Russell Beale and Zoë Wanamaker on Benedick and Beatrice
Simon Russell Beale (Benedick) and Zoë Wanamaker (Beatrice) discuss the relationship between their characters and talk about the darker elements in their 'merry war'.
-
- video
Olivier Ford Davies on how Shakespeare's approach
Olivier Ford Davies (Leonato) talks about the use of language and emphasises Shakespeare's interest in the affect action has on the characters in his plays.
-
- video
Nicholas Hytner on Claudio's visit to Hero's grave
Nicholas Hytner (Director) explains why it is important that Claudio visits Hero's grave prior to the final scene where she is actually revealed to be alive and well.