Watch Simon Schama's Shakespeare and Us

Simon Schama’s Shakespeare and Us is a captivating documentary series that explores the enduring legacy of William Shakespeare, a writer whose work remains as relevant as ever, four centuries after his death. Through four episodes, noted scholar and historian Simon Schama delves deep into the plays and poems of Shakespeare, examining their enduring popularity, exploring their themes and imagery, and linking them to the modern-day world.

The first episode of the series, titled “Identity”, examines Shakespeare’s fascination with the notion of selfhood, both in terms of individual identity and national identity. Schama explores how Shakespeare’s characters often grapple with questions of identity and how these issues relate to contemporary debates around race, gender, and nationality. He also visits sites associated with the Bard, including Stratford-upon-Avon and the Globe Theatre, to gain a deeper understanding of his life and work.

In the second episode, “The Sacred”, Schama turns his attention to Shakespeare’s engagement with religion and the divine. He argues that while Shakespeare was not a particularly religious person himself, his writing is infused with religious themes and images, and that his plays offer profound insights into the human condition and the nature of faith.

The third episode, “Dreams and Nightmares”, is perhaps the most intriguing, as it explores the role of the unconscious mind in Shakespeare’s writing. Schama examines how Shakespeare used dreams and visions to convey his characters’ innermost thoughts and desires, and how his work anticipated some of the principles of modern psychology. He also explores the ways in which dreams and nightmares continue to shape our lives today.

Finally, in the fourth episode, “The Edge”, Schama examines the darker, more subversive aspects of Shakespeare’s work. He looks at how Shakespeare’s plays often took a critical stance towards the established order of society, challenging notions of power, class, and authority. Schama argues that this subversive streak is what makes Shakespeare’s plays so enduringly popular, and that they continue to resonate with audiences today, particularly those who are struggling with issues of social justice and inequality.

Throughout the series, Schama’s erudition and passion for his subject are evident. He brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to bear on the plays, highlighting the ways in which Shakespeare’s work has influenced and continues to influence our culture and our perception of ourselves. Whether you are a Shakespeare enthusiast or a newcomer to the Bard’s work, Simon Schama’s Shakespeare and Us is sure to deepen your understanding and appreciation of one of the greatest writers in the English language.

Simon Schama's Shakespeare and Us is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between June 21, 2012 and on BBC Select