BRUTUS & OTHER HEROINES - By Harriet Walter - Book Review
- Kelly Stewart
- Nov 23, 2016
- 2 min read
‘A part we have played is like a person we once met, grew to know, became intimately enmeshed with and finally moved away from. Some of these characters remain friends, others are like ex-lovers with whom we no longer have anything in common. All of them bring something out in us that will never go back in the box.’ – HARRIET WALTER, Brutus and Other Heroines
This opening statement made by Harriet Walter demonstrates exactly why she is one of the most remarkable, and successful, actress’ of her time. In her varied and distinguished career, she has played multiple iconic roles, and nearly all the Shakespeare’s famous heroines, alongside branching into the traditionally male leads in Julius Caesar and Henry IV.
In her new book ‘Brutus and Other Heroines’, Walter discusses each of these Shakespearean roles – both male and female – from the inside, explaining the particular choices she made in preparation and performing the character. Reading about her thoughts and critical approach, along her practical approach is fascinating, and worthwhile for any actor in training.
‘Her extraordinary perceptive and intimate accounts illuminate each play offering a treasure trove of valuable insights for theatregoers, scholars, and anyone interested in how the character development builds from page to stage. Aspiring actors, too, will discover the many possibilities open to them in playing these magnificent roles, and for all those wanting to develop their Shakespearean performance, will find Walter’s words inspiring and invaluable.’
This book is an exploration of the Shakespearean canon through the eyes of a self-identified ‘feminist actor’ – but, above all, a remarkable account of an acting career unconstrained by tradition or expectations.’
It is concluded with an affectionate yet scolding message to her beloved Will: ‘I cannot imagine a world without you. I just wish you had put more women at the centre of your world/stage… I would love you to come back and do some rewrites.’ A line that shows Walter’s love for the playwright, and the frustration all female actors feel about the Bard.
Truly beautiful words are spoken by the highly eloquent actress throughout the book, as not only does she discuss the characters with such a high level of understanding - alongside show her clearly vast knowledge of Shakespeare himself - she also expresses exactly what it means to be an actor. To explore, to investigate, to feel everything and put everything on the line for that one character, before leaving it to begin again with another. Any actor reading this book will feel a deep connection to her words on acting itself, and for that reason alone we highly recommend this book to all our On It Academy students, any aspiring actors, and particularly those with a love for Shakespeare.
So, what are you waiting for!?
GET ON IT!
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