Harriet Walter

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!

Dame Harriet Walter, an Olivier and Emmy-award-winning actress known for her roles in 'Killing Eve' and 'Ted Lasso', reflects on her storied career and the struggles she faced in the acting world. She shares humorous anecdotes about audition rejections and the complexities of embodying iconic characters. Walter also opens up about her battles with anorexia, loneliness, and her complicated relationship with food. Finally, she discusses the bittersweet nature of fame, revealing her desire for deeper fulfillment beyond recognition.

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.

Join Shakespeare scholar James Shapiro and Milton expert Nigel Smith as they passionately debate the merits of their literary icons. Harriet Walter, Pippa Nixon, and Samuel West bring the dialogue to life with engaging performances from both authors. They explore themes of ambition, power, and the emotional complexity of characters, particularly in relation to Shakespeare’s nuanced narratives versus Milton’s profound philosophical inquiries. The debate ignites conversations on love, betrayal, and the rich legacies of these monumental figures in literature.

Harriet Walter and Jenny Jules, performers from Phyllida Lloyd's all-female Donmar Warehouse production, discuss the first radio drama scene from Julius Caesar broadcast 90 years ago. They explore themes of resisting corruption, asserting authority, heated arguments, loyalty, anger, grief, and reconciliation.