...or you'll no doubt hate this teleplay. That's because this is the English play recreated live for American television for "Playhouse 90"--a long-running show featuring live plays on tiny budgets and simple sets. It is important you know that I truly hate Shakespeare--mostly because as history teacher I realize how ridiculously inaccurate his historicals were. Much of what we now THINK is true about various figures through history is the result of a man who simply didn't know the truth and either didn't bother to learn it or misrepresented history to please the Crown (such as the way he made Richard III seem ridiculous and evil--thus making the Tudors and Stuarts comfortable with having seized the throne of England). In addition, because I hate "Julius Caesar" since I was forced to read this in 9th grade, please take my review with a grain of salt.
Accuracy aside, although the faces in the show are mostly unknown names today, the folks were very accomplished actors. I recognized quite a few of their faces and it was nice to see character actors seize an opportunity to prove themselves--such as Robert Keith and Richard Hart. They were all very good as was the exceptional direction and decent minimalist sets and costumes. But, in the end, it's STILL Shakespeare!
Accuracy aside, although the faces in the show are mostly unknown names today, the folks were very accomplished actors. I recognized quite a few of their faces and it was nice to see character actors seize an opportunity to prove themselves--such as Robert Keith and Richard Hart. They were all very good as was the exceptional direction and decent minimalist sets and costumes. But, in the end, it's STILL Shakespeare!
