OTHELLO Master Class 6

Audio Podcast Series of Master Classes for Professional Actors exploring Othello with Alexander Barnett - This class is a continuing in-depth discussion of the courtship of Othello and Desdemona and the undercurrents at play prior to Cyprus.

KING LEAR Film - Act 3 Scenes 1,2

 Stream on Amazon Prime - Episode 7

3.1

The instability Kent feared when Lear banished Cordelia has set in upon the kingdom.  As ever, Kent’s primary objective is to protect Lear’s physical and mental well-being.  He must get him out of the storm, which is quickly speeding up Lear’s decline.  The storm is getting worse. They are only twenty minutes from the courtyard and have already become separated.  While Lear is trapped in reflection on the past, Kent must be looking ahead to the future and turns back in search of the first Knight.  Now that both daughters have abandoned him, he turns to Cordelia, as she may be the last source of refuge for Lear.  Kent is relying on his knowledge of their relationship and trusting that despite everything that has happened, she still cares deeply for Lear and will want to do whatever she can to help him.  Kent’s loyalty and devotion shine in this scene and throughout the storm.  His shrewdness is also apparent, as even in the face of the dire present, he is still thinking ahead and planning for what is to come.  The first knight is somewhat perplexed by Caius hints as to his identity and the instruction to contact Cordelia, but he, like Kent, is devoted to serving Lear, and will gladly travel to Dover in the elements to uphold his duty. 

3.2

The intense cold, the jarring wind, and the plaguing thunder take their toll on Lear, Kent, and the Fool.

OTHELLO Master Class 5

This class is an in-depth discussion of the courtship of Othello and Desdemona and the undercurrents at play prior to Cyprus. https://www.alexanderbarnett.com/oth.html http://bit.ly/KingLearAmazonPrime

 

Burnistoun - Voice Recognition Lift

I could not resist revisiting this.  Enjoy.

 

KING LEAR Film - Act 2, Scene 4

 Stream on Amazon Prime - Episode 6

When Lear arrives at Gloucester’s, the political tensions that have been building towards upheaval breach the surface, while the impending storm looms inevitably closer. This scene is structured around a slow build towards a breaking point, yet at its heart is only deterioration. The stability of the kingdom, alliances, familial bonds, and Lear’s health and sanity all begin to fall apart.

The Fool, ever shrewd to the point of seeming prescience, warns Kent of what is about to happen.  He is alarmed by the changes he sees in Lear and, knowing Goneril and Regan’s true nature anticipates that he is about to be pushed into further devolution. He urgently cautions Kent that Lear’s decline will be swift and brutal, that it has already begun, and that it will not end well for those who follow. This moment is particularly poignant, as the Fool speaks to Kent not as Caius, but as himself. In that sense, it echoes the moment of recognition during 1.4, but goes beyond that brief silent exchange. This is not a moment of commiseration; rather the Fool is compelled by his very nature to warn Kent of the danger of following a doomed man. Yet he also knows that neither Kent nor himself will head that warning. They are both steadfast in their devotion to Lear and, however foolishly, will remain at his side in spite of what is to come, and indeed because of it. 

OTHELLO: Master Class 4

Reaching the end of my European tour of Othello I found I was not ready to let go of the play. So when I returned to New York, I created a series of master classes for professional actors. These are the audio versions.

KING LEAR Film - Act 2 Scene 2, Scene 3

KING LEAR Film - Act 2 Scene 2 Scene 3

Stream on Amazon Prime - Episode 5

There is tension and anticipation throughout the country as the makings of civil war continue to fester underneath the surface of civility. In this scene, there is much fighting, physically and verbally, as the younger generation postures for control of the kingdom. The boundaries of the social structure are tested in anticipation of their outright deterioration following Lear’s arrival.

Cornwall’s callous treatment of Kent is his first act of defiance against Lear, and the old order. Cornwall finds pleasure in being aggressive, commanding, and cruel to the King’s servant. He acts not out of mere distaste for Kent’s behavior as Caius, but because he finds pleasure in disregarding the social hierarchy and claiming a more powerful role for himself. As always Regan continues to try to trump Cornwall in severity, demanding further cruelty when Cornwall orders Kent put in the stocks. The competitiveness within their marriage exacerbates the underlying tension in the constant struggle for control that pervades this scene.