Discovering Hamlet (part 5 of 5)

A behind-the-scenes documentary of Derek Jacobi directing Kenneth Branagh in a production of the play. Interviews and rehearsal footage.

1990 Documentary in its entirety, in five parts.

Sir Derek Jacobi has joined this crowd, he recently signed a "declaration of reasonable doubt" of authorship (Kenneth Branagh agrees):

Like a growing number of interested parties, I have had grave doubts for some time now of the validity of the Stratford man's claim to have written some of the greatest literature the world has produced. Indeed, I must admit that it still seems incredible to me that one mind could possibly have encompassed such a monumental feat--but if so, that man is most likely to have been Edward de Vere--possibly with a little collaboration.

Like you, I live in hope that an acceptable solution is possible and that this most fascinating riddle will finally be solved. My reactions are, of course, hardly academic, and I haven't the minutiae of knowledge or arguments at my fingertips like your good selves--I'm still studying and discovering--but, as an actor, my instincts and antennae tell me that only someone connected with the vicissitudes of stage production could have created these complex dramas. Is there indeed any incontrovertible, unequivocal evidence that Stratford Will was even an actor? But, of course, with doubt comes not discussion but accusation. We are labeled eccentrics and loonies (oh, if only old Thomas had himself used a pseudonym!).

All these years of academic dedication lavished on the wrong man must be defended, at all costs it seems. Reputations tremble, an industry turns pale, and the weapons of ridicule and abuse are leveled and fired. But at least the battle lines have been drawn, and it is heartening to see how many recruits are enlisting in the Doubters Army: people, like myself, who cannot reconcile the illiteracy of Shakspere's offspring alongside his own deep and adept knowledge of medicine, art, music, geography, law and his almost nonchalant use of metaphor from, for example, sporting activities that were exclusively the pursuit of the aristocracy--not to mention his mastery of history, languages and the intricacies of survival at court. The only evidence of Shakspere's literary life was produced after he died and is open to dispute. Nothing, while alive, apart from some shaky signatures, puts a pen in his hand.

Legend, hearsay and myth have created this writer.

I have taken part in thirty-one of the plays so far, and I can imagine--I can feel--someone behind the words whose education and life experiences, whose knowledge of all strata of society, whose relationships and temperament simply do not fit the grain hoarder, the money lender and the entrepreneur, but chime accurately, and at times indelibly, with what we know about de Vere. And it's not enough to say, "Oh, but the works of Shakespeare survive whoever wrote them; it doesn't therefore matter." Yes, it does! The disclosure of the real author would enhance not only the historical significance but also the contemporary excitement of these treasures for both actors and spectators; and it shouldn't be regarded as potential professional suicide, heresy or an actor's silliness to come out and say so.

--- Sir Derek Jacobi

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Shakespeare
• Hamlet
• Derek-Jacobi
• Kenneth-Branagh
• play
• theatre
• acting
• literature

[costeris35]

Thanks for uploading this, it was wonderful.

[MuskPumpkin]

Enjoyed immensely... Thanks much you!

[idreamedmusic]

Many thanks for this great documentary!

[AsSomedayItMayHappen]

This was so much fun to watch! Thanks for uploading =D

[medtrans9]

This was great, thanks so much for posting!

[artj22850]

Yes, a rare treat indeed....Terrific! I enjoyed watching the full version very much.

[Buraken]

Amazing, thanks for this documentary!