Late Night Live - Separate stories podcast
Harriet Walter on what Shakespeare's women might have said
May 19, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Dame Harriet Walter, acclaimed actor from Succession and Killing Eve, shares her insights on Shakespeare's female characters. She reflects on her 50-year journey in theater, emphasizing the complexities of roles like Ophelia and Cleopatra. Walter critiques the constraints of gender roles in Shakespeare's time and highlights the emotional power of soliloquies. She also reads a poignant sonnet that connects love, identity, and freedom, showcasing the depth of women’s voices in the bard's plays through her book, She Speaks!
35:06
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Quick takeaways
- Harriet Walter highlights how Shakespeare's female characters, despite their depth, often serve to further male-driven narratives, limiting their agency.
- Walter discusses the unique emotional resonance of live theater, emphasizing Shakespeare's language as essential for conveying complex character emotions.
Deep dives
Harriet Walter's Shakespearean Journey
Harriet Walter, renowned for her Shakespearean roles, reflects on her early experiences with the works of Shakespeare, having been inspired by performances from distinguished actors like Judi Dench and Vanessa Redgrave. Her journey into acting crystallized when she saw Hayley Mills in The Parent Trap, realizing her desire to perform. Walter's transition into Shakespearean roles, particularly as Ophelia, was eased by her previous work in a television film directed by Richard Eyre. This opportune casting not only marked a significant turning point in her career but also allowed her to explore Ophelia's complexities, illustrating the gradual easing into the esteemed world of Shakespearean theater.
