Reading a Shakespeare play for the first time

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Originally Posted by neilgee

King John
Henry Sixth [all 3 parts]
Henry Eighth
Troilus and Cassida
Titus Andronicus
Cymberline
Pericles


That's what's left.

Any opinions as to what I should read next?

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Though I cringe every time I utter these words, personally, I would not call myself a huge fan of Shakespeare's historical plays, but I hold "Henry VIII" in a high regard, especially after having seen it on stage; if you feel up for a good historical play, indeed, I would recommend it.
If you want more action, then I definitely ought to promote "Titus Andronicus," as mentioned by kelby lake, a very violent, gruesome play, one of Shakespeare's earliest; "Pericles" also has plenty of good action, too. Out of all of them, nonetheless, I would recommend "Cymbeline" the strongest - an entrancing plot, a good balance of action with thoughtful scenes, and, as Lokasenna said, very underrated and neglected as one of Shakespeare's best, in my opinion.
All the luck! :D

*edit*

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Originally Posted by Veva

Hey, talking about Shakespeare I heard that there is a new production of Hamlet with Jude Law starring in it in London... has anyone seen it yet? Is it worth paying for?

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I heard about this, and feel really curious about it. He played the lead role in "Hamlet" also at its annual playing in Kronborg Castle, in northern Denmark, where Shakespeare intended the play, which received great reviews; bearing this in mind, also considering his talent in acting, it would not surprise me if Jude Law gave a great performance. Somehow, however, I would like to predict that the audience will consist almost entirely of eyelash-batting women. :lol:

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Originally Posted by neilgee

I think the only hope is that the RSC itself in Stratford might put on one of these more obscure plays.

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Come on! Don't just think RSC. Shakespeare is universal. Google the plays and I'm sure you'll find a performance on somewhere. A quick Google and I find:

http://www.shakespeares-globe.org/th...oiluscressida/

OK the season has just finished, but I only looked at the second entry. There are 300 000 more... get googling!

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Originally Posted by mal4mac

Come on! Don't just think RSC. Shakespeare is universal. Google the plays and I'm sure you'll find a performance on somewhere. A quick Google and I find:

http://www.shakespeares-globe.org/th...oiluscressida/

OK the season has just finished, but I only looked at the second entry. There are 300 000 more... get googling!

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Come on! Don't just think RSC. Shakespeare is universal. Google the plays and I'm sure you'll find a performance on somewhere. A quick Google and I find:
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Devis comparatif mutuelle sante | Comparateur mutuelles sante | Comparer comparatif mutuel

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Originally Posted by mal4mac

Come on! Don't just think RSC. Shakespeare is universal. Google the plays and I'm sure you'll find a performance on somewhere. A quick Google and I find:

http://www.shakespeares-globe.org/th...oiluscressida/

OK the season has just finished, but I only looked at the second entry. There are 300 000 more... get googling!

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True, but the RSC is generally of the best quality... I sometimes find the Globe productions a little odd. The Lord Chamberlain's Men are probably the best touring company, and Kneehigh, when they do Shakespeare, are consistently good, if a little eccentric!

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Originally Posted by neilgee

Even the best film adaptations leave me abit cold, Lokasenna. I'm one of those cynics who can't suspend disbelief as long as there's a camera involved.

I wonder if the RSC itself might do a production. They are the only ones I know who seem to be able to make a profit no matter which play they do. It might be worth checking their listings.

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The Hopkins version of Titus was just WEIRD. As I recall it, there was a small boy who sort of wandered around the action. He plays with his toy soldiers, eating Cheerios, and bam! He's in a Roman arena. I believe they nicked the idea from the BBC version of Titus.

The BBC filmed every Shakespeare play except The two Noble Kingsman as they felt it was primarily Fletcher's play. The TV versions vary in quality I think but are definitely worth watching. They're probably your best chance of seeing some of the obscurer plays.

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Originally Posted by mal4mac

Come on! Don't just think RSC. Shakespeare is universal. Google the plays and I'm sure you'll find a performance on somewhere. A quick Google and I find:

http://www.shakespeares-globe.org/th...oiluscressida/

OK the season has just finished, but I only looked at the second entry. There are 300 000 more... get googling!

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Yes, I know. I'm just being lazy :banana:

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Originally Posted by kelby_lake

The BBC filmed every Shakespeare play except The two Noble Kingsman as they felt it was primarily Fletcher's play. The TV versions vary in quality I think but are definitely worth watching. They're probably your best chance of seeing some of the obscurer plays.

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I didn't include The Two Noble Kinsmen in my list because it isn't in my collected Shakespeare. I know some editors consider it part of the canon and some don't, and the particular editor of my copy didn't. I suppose it should be there really if Shakespeare did collaborate on it.

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I heard about this, and feel really curious about it. He played the lead role in "Hamlet" also at its annual playing in Kronborg Castle, in northern Denmark, where Shakespeare intended the play, which received great reviews; bearing this in mind, also considering his talent in acting, it would not surprise me if Jude Law gave a great performance. Somehow, however, I would like to predict that the audience will consist almost entirely of eyelash-batting women. :lol:

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I believe Kenneth Branagh is directing this production in London. I could be wrong but thought I heard it stated on an interview on Youtube. It might just surprise you all. I think Jude Law would make a great Hamlet and I am not a huge Jude Law fan....definitely not one of those "eyelashing batting women"...hahah...that's a good one!:lol:

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Originally Posted by Janine

I believe Kenneth Branagh is directing this production in London. I could be wrong but thought I heard it stated on an interview on Youtube. It might just surprise you all. I think Jude Law would make a great Hamlet and I am not a huge Jude Law fan....definitely not one of those "eyelashing batting women"...hahah...that's a good one!:lol:

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I think Jude Law got a mixed response from critics; I'm pretty sure they all said Tennant was better.

I LOVED reading Two Noble Kinsmen, myself. Very funny.

If you haven't read Titus Andronicus yet you simply must.