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Happy Place

Book Club Meets: Women speaking their minds, with Dame Harriet Walter

Jan 3, 2025
Dame Harriet Walter, a celebrated Shakespearean actor known for her compelling roles in 'Succession' and 'Killing Eve', discusses her book 'She Speaks'. She unveils the hidden voices of Shakespeare's female characters, exploring their modern relevance and issues around aging women. The conversation delves into the nature of art reflecting society versus challenging it. Harriet shares her insights on embodying these iconic roles and reimagining their complexities, highlighting the need for nuanced interpretations in today's world.
28:16

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Dame Harriet Walter emphasizes the importance of amplifying Shakespeare's female characters' voices to reflect modern societal issues on gender inequality.
  • Walter shares her immersive approach as an actress to connect with Shakespearean characters, highlighting the emotional complexities they embody.

Deep dives

Reimagining Shakespeare's Women

The podcast highlights Dame Harriet Walter's exploration of Shakespeare's female characters in her book 'She Speaks.' Walter reinterprets the thoughts and emotions of these women, filling gaps where they traditionally lacked voice in Shakespeare's narratives. She draws upon her extensive experience as an actress who has played 21 Shakespearean roles, using her insights to articulate what these characters might have really been thinking. This innovative approach provides a fresh perspective on how these women navigated their patriarchal society, allowing modern readers to connect with their struggles and inner lives.

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