Shakespeare: The King's Man

Even during a creative age, William Shakespeare stood as a first among equals—renowned for his complexly structured plays, philosophical insights, and unsurpassed wielding of the English language. After Queen Elizabeth I died in 1603, elevating Scotland's King James to the throne, a new and dangerous age began. Along with others, Shakespeare enjoyed the patronage of James, becoming what was known as the "king's man." Hosted by American scholar James Shapiro, this three-part BBC-aired documentary explores Shakespeare's work during the Jacobean era, which saw the creation of some of his greatest plays, such as Macbeth, King Lear, and The Tempest. Shakespeare's London teemed with theatres—where profound plays could alternate with bear baiting—which could suddenly be closed due to plague, and whose owners had to dodge Puritan objections over moral content (not to mention that it was always risky to criticize the monarch directly). As a king's man, Shakespeare had the chance to observe James and his court close-up. James was bright and articulate, but extravagant, dangerously ambitious, and a master of "equivocation." Shakespeare was clearly inspired by political intrigue (including the infamous "Gunpowder Plot" aimed at Parliament), while also freely borrowing the plots of earlier plays to serve his own work. Shakespeare was wily enough to avoid plainly rebuking the king, but his plays suggest that he remained ambivalent about the monarchy. The documentary series nicely captures the ferment of the times: its obsession with money, love of gossip, pageantry at court, curiosity about the newly discovered world of North America, and religious turmoil that produced the sublime achievement of the King James Bible. Interviewing scholars and theater directors, while also showing snippets from the plays, Shapiro provides a riveting look at the surrounding culture during a particular chapter in the Bard's life. DVD extras include an excellent 1983 BBC production of Macbeth (starring Nicol Williamson), and a 12-page viewer's guide. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)