Yesterday we gave you a fine BBC adaptation of Hamlet starring David Tennant (Doctor Who), not realizing that it happened to be Shakespeare’s deathday — the day when the Bard died in 1616. The passing of that anniversary calls for something a little special. So, here we have it: The Animated Shakespeare.
Aired between 1992 and 1994 on the BBC and HBO, The Animated Shakespeare brings to life 12 famous Shakespeare plays. Leon Garfield, a well-known British children’s author, wrote the scripts, mainly using Shakespearian language. And some talented Russian artists did the animation. Above, we give you the animated Macbeth.
Below you will find companion versions of Julius Caesar and Romeo & Juliet, plus links to nine other plays. The full set can be purchased on DVD in higher resolution right here.
Other Plays:
- Julius Caesar – Watch
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Watch
- Hamlet – Watch
- King Richard III – Watch
- Othello – Watch
- The Tempest – Watch
I’m concerned about the copyright issues of showing the YouTube clips in a classroom when there is a “legal” DVD version in existence.
Thoughts?
Hello Emma, I appreciate your question and your commitment to arts royalties.
It’s my believe that ANYTHING that will turn the younger generation on to Shakespeare supersedes payment for his work (which is public domain now) … we all win when it’s public knowledge and we learn from all the lessons Shakespeare has to teach us. Cheers
Very fine ones!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can I get their scripts?
Updated, available videos: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=bbc+animated+shakespeare&sm=3