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Arts & Culture

SHAKESPEARE UNCOVERED: The Tempest With Trevor Nunn

"The Tempest" rehearsal at London's Globe.
Courtesy of Alex Brenner
"The Tempest" rehearsal at London's Globe.

Airs Friday, March 1, 2013 at 9 p.m. on KPBS TV

In a unique series of six films debuting on PBS, SHAKESPEARE UNCOVERED combines history, biography, iconic performances, new analysis and the personal passion of its celebrated hosts — Ethan Hawke, Jeremy Irons, Derek Jacobi, Trevor Nunn, Joely Richardson and David Tennant — to tell the story behind the stories of Shakespeare’s greatest plays.

Which Character Are You?

Answer all 7 questions to find out which Shakespeare character has a lot in common with you.

"The Tempest" rehearsal at London's Globe.
Courtesy of Alex Brenner
"The Tempest" rehearsal at London's Globe.

Each episode combines interviews with actors, directors and scholars, along with visits to key locations, clips from some of the most celebrated film and television adaptations, and illustrative excerpts from the plays specially staged for the series at Shakespeare's Globe in London.

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"The Tempest With Trevor Nunn" - Trevor Nunn, the legendary director who has directed 30 of Shakespeare’s 37 plays and is determined to complete them all before he retires, takes viewers through the magical and mysterious world created in Shakespeare’s last complete play. He considers "The Tempest" Shakespeare’s farewell from the stage and relates the play to the playwright’s family life.

Among the enthusiastic students of the play who contribute ideas about the role of Prospero is the Archbishop of Canterbury, along with Helen Mirren and director Julie Taymor, who collaborated on the most recent film adaptation — with Mirren playing a female Prospera.

Video clips and past episodes from this series are available for online viewing.