Patrick Stewart on Prospero: Performing Shakespeare

by Patrick Stewart

In each volume of the Shakespeare on Stage series, a leading actor takes us behind the scenes, recreating in detail a memorable performance in one of Shakespeare's major roles. They discuss their character, working through the play scene by scene, with refreshing candour and in forensic detail. The result is a masterclass on playing the role, invaluable for other actors and directors, as well as students of Shakespeare - and fascinating for audiences of the play.

In this volume, Patrick Stewart discusses playing Prospero in Rupert Goold's arctic-set 2006 production of The Tempest for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

This interview, together with the others in the series (with actors such as Judi Dench, Ian McKellen and Jude Law), is also available in the collection Shakespeare on Thirteen Leading Actors on Thirteen Key Roles by Julian Curry, with a foreword by Trevor Nunn.

'absorbing and original... Curry's actors are often thinking and talking as that other professional performer, Shakespeare himself, might have done' TLS

34 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 23, 2013

About the author

Sir Patrick Stewart, OBE is an English film, television, stage and voice actor, who has had a distinguished career on stage and screen. He is most widely known for his roles as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and its successor films, and as Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film series.

Known for his strong and authoritative voice, Stewart has lent his voice to a number of projects, including audio books, animated films and series and video games.

Reviews

[Paige D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick Stewart on Prospero: Performing Shakespeare is a captivating and instructive exploration of Shakespearean performance. Stewart’s detailed, scene-by-scene reflections provide invaluable insights into character development, stagecraft, and the artistry behind his acclaimed portrayal of Prospero. Essential reading for actors, students, and anyone fascinated by theatre and the craft of bringing Shakespeare to life.