Actress Dame Harriet Walter releases her fifth book, ‘She Speaks!’, which reimagines the narratives of 30 iconic women from Shakespeare’s works, addressing the absence of female viewpoints.
Actress Dame Harriet Walter, renowned for her eclectic roles in stage and screen productions, has penned her fifth book, “She Speaks!” Aimed at giving voice to Shakespeare’s female characters, the book offers a unique spin on the Bard’s tales, weaving fresh narratives in Shakespearean verse for 30 iconic women of his work, including the playwright’s own wife, Anne Hathaway.
Walter has long been a stalwart of British theatre and television, celebrated for her poignant portrayals throughout her career. Her new book showcases her extensive experience in Shakespearean roles, encompassing 21 parts over the years. “She Speaks!” addresses what Walter perceives as a narrative gap within Shakespeare’s works—the relative absence of the female viewpoint. Among the reimagined perspectives, Ophelia fakes her own death and escapes to a nunnery, while Cleopatra laments her timeless but passionless existence with Antony in the afterlife. These new monologues reflect Walter’s desire to flesh out these roles beyond their traditional confines.
Walter’s career has been a rich tapestry of diverse characters, from icy aristocrats to commanding leaders. Her upcoming portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in the Channel 4 drama “Brian and Margaret,” written by James Graham and directed by Stephen Frears, is eagerly anticipated. Walter delved deep into Thatcher’s persona, not imitating but interpreting to reveal new dimensions of the former British Prime Minister, a role she is still beginning to understand.
Known for her roles in popular series such as Killing Eve where she played Dasha and HBO’s “Succession,” where she played Lady Caroline Collingwood, Walter brings to life characters often described as the antithesis of ‘cuddly’—a term she questions whether it would even be applied if she were male. Her upbringing, steeped in the “foothills of aristocracy” and set amidst a downwardly mobile family, was crucial training for many of these characters. As a child, she was well-acquainted with “cold, snooty, put-down people,” which provided rich fodder for her performances of icy composure and emotional complexity.
Walter’s journey to success was not without hurdles. Despite facing initial rejections from drama schools and guidance from her uncle, actor Christopher Lee, about the challenges of an acting career, she persisted, fuelled by a definitive desire from the age of nine to pursue acting. She credits much of her development to her theatre work, which trained her in the versatility and depth she demonstrates in her on-screen roles.
The actress’s experience underscores not just her skill but also her persistence. Reflecting on her career, Walter sees her earlier roles with a critical eye, using them to propel her learning on television, where she can hope to correct what she considers missed opportunities in theatre. Her curiosity extends into her personal ethos, keen on discovering worlds by embodying others—a dedication clearly evident in both her literary and performance ventures.
As audiences anticipate her future projects, including an appearance as Jaques in “As You Like It” at Bath’s Theatre Royal season planned by Ralph Fiennes, Walter remains a compelling force in theatre and television. Her book “She Speaks!” presents fresh opportunities for reflection on the narratives of Shakespearean women, resonating with Walter’s lifelong commitment to exploring and redefining their stories.
Source: Noah Wire Services