Having been a resentful 15-year-old manacled to a desk and force-fed Romeo & Juliet by a bored teacher in a backwoods comprehensive, I came to loathe the name Shakespeare. Years later in a lonely bedsit, and with nothing else to do, I tuned into a Sunday night Radio 3 production and heard someone called Judi Dench recite, “Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter..." and a new sound world opened up for me. "But this stuff is music!?" was my astonished reaction. Like a kid hearing something wonderful without understanding it but instinctively knowing it was great. I adore the histories, love the tragedies but for whatever reason, Andrew, the comedies still leave me cold. I don't suppose your students realised then how lucky they were to have you open their eyes to beauty that would last a lifetime.
It's so often the case. People are turned off early in life and can't connect with his work. It takes times and familiarity with the language and the poetry to "lock in". But once there, it's sublime.
I'm doing a lecture series on the comedies in October for the Peterson Academy. I imagine there are many who feel the way you do about them!
A wonderful interview! I've listened to the Shakespeare part twice. It's obvious how happier you are talking about Shakespeare than, for instance, the trans issue and I'm all the more grateful that you feel the responsibility to tackle the latter issue that endangers our children.
I just want to mention that "Comédie Française" isn't the French Comedy Theatre but simply the French Theatre. This is because in the 17th century when the eponymous troupe was formed here in Paris, "comédie" meant any form of theatre. For the same reason, "comédien/comédienne" mean "actor/actress" and not comedian.
Andrew is not only one of the West's greatest writers – so, not only our brains, but also the beauty, charm, and wit. Andrew is the living embodiment of the old but now lost Great Britain. 🥰😢
Dear friends – I apologize for the off-topic question... What is the name of the famous campaigner (Marianne, Mariane...) who tragically died of cancer... I unfortunately don't remember exactly a famous quote supposedly hers – this is of course not exact or I wouldn't be asking, but it was sth to the effect of "I'd rather be rude than a coward..."? Thank you 🥰
Very enjoyable, thank you. It’s particularly good to hear your enthusiasm for Shakespeare….and your annoyance at current ‘interpretations’.
Activists can ruin any masterpiece!
Having been a resentful 15-year-old manacled to a desk and force-fed Romeo & Juliet by a bored teacher in a backwoods comprehensive, I came to loathe the name Shakespeare. Years later in a lonely bedsit, and with nothing else to do, I tuned into a Sunday night Radio 3 production and heard someone called Judi Dench recite, “Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter..." and a new sound world opened up for me. "But this stuff is music!?" was my astonished reaction. Like a kid hearing something wonderful without understanding it but instinctively knowing it was great. I adore the histories, love the tragedies but for whatever reason, Andrew, the comedies still leave me cold. I don't suppose your students realised then how lucky they were to have you open their eyes to beauty that would last a lifetime.
It's so often the case. People are turned off early in life and can't connect with his work. It takes times and familiarity with the language and the poetry to "lock in". But once there, it's sublime.
I'm doing a lecture series on the comedies in October for the Peterson Academy. I imagine there are many who feel the way you do about them!
A wonderful interview! I've listened to the Shakespeare part twice. It's obvious how happier you are talking about Shakespeare than, for instance, the trans issue and I'm all the more grateful that you feel the responsibility to tackle the latter issue that endangers our children.
I just want to mention that "Comédie Française" isn't the French Comedy Theatre but simply the French Theatre. This is because in the 17th century when the eponymous troupe was formed here in Paris, "comédie" meant any form of theatre. For the same reason, "comédien/comédienne" mean "actor/actress" and not comedian.
Many thanks for the fantastic interview!
Andrew is not only one of the West's greatest writers – so, not only our brains, but also the beauty, charm, and wit. Andrew is the living embodiment of the old but now lost Great Britain. 🥰😢
Dear friends – I apologize for the off-topic question... What is the name of the famous campaigner (Marianne, Mariane...) who tragically died of cancer... I unfortunately don't remember exactly a famous quote supposedly hers – this is of course not exact or I wouldn't be asking, but it was sth to the effect of "I'd rather be rude than a coward..."? Thank you 🥰
She's Magdalen Berns and the quote is "I'd rather be rude than a fxcking liar".