Warwick/SBT Shakespeare Collection
A collection of films made by the University of Warwick in conjunction with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust about the life and times of William Shakespeare.
With unique access to the Trust's library and archives, the houses associated with Shakespeare and exhibitions created by their knowledgeable team this series of videos have given academics at Warwick the opportunity to explore some of the much debated issues surrounding arguably the world's greatest poet and author of plays.
Searching for Shakespeare: Questioning Authorship
17:37, Wed 15 Jun 2011
The 'Shakespeare Authorship Question' is a controversial subject for academics, but one which persists nonetheless. James Shapiro joined in the debate, with the publication of his book Contested Will: Who Wrote Shakespeare? in 2010. He is interviewed by the University of Warwick's Prof Carol Rutter.
(MP4 format, 152 MB)
Searching for Shakespeare: The Documents at The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
12:40, Tue 18 May 2010
Mairi Macdonald, Former Head of Local Collections at The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust gives the University of Warwick's Professor Carol Rutter access to the documents they hold relating to the life of William Shakespeare. They include the title deeds to his final house New Place, a letter written to the playwright and evidence of how he managed to acquire land and expand his fortune in Stratford upon Avon .
(MP4 format, 172 MB)
Searching for Shakespeare: The Dig at New Place, Stratford upon Avon
12:20, Tue 11 May 2010
Director of Learning and Research at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Paul Edmondson invites the University of Warwick's Professor Carol Rutter to explore the new archaeological dig in the grounds of William Shakespeare's last home, New Place in Stratford upon Avon. The project aims to locate any remains of the 16th century house and discover what life was like for the bard and his family. The film provides a first look at some of the finds discovered on the site including evidence of Tudor life that may have been owned by Shakespeare himself. Professor Rutter is Director of the CAPITAL Centre and Professor of English in the Deaprtment of English and Comparative Literary Studies. Her main teaching and research areas lie in Shakespeare and performance studies. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust was formed in 1847 and aims to promote the appreciation and study of the plays and other works of William Shakespeare and general advancements of Shakespearian knowledge, it has an extensive library and archive relating to the life and times of the bard as well as caring for the historical houses connected to the famous playwright. To find out more about the dig - www.digforshakespeare.com
(MP4 format, 100 MB)
Shakespeare Found
10:03, Tue 11 May 2010
Professor Stanley Wells, Chairman of The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, talks to Warwick student Harriet Birchall about the discovery of a portrait of William Shakespeare, believed to be the only authentic image of Shakespeare made from life.
(MP4 format, 159 MB)
Understanding Shakespeares Sonnets
09:55, Tue 11 May 2010
In the year of the 400th anniversary of their publication Professors Stanley Wells, CBE, and Jonathan Bate talk to Paul Edmondson about the content and context of Shakespeare's collection of sonnets.
(MP4 format, 233 MB)