Harriet Walter has had a long and successful career in acting, with notable roles in both theatre and television. She has recently written a book titled She Speaks!, in which she gives a voice to 30 of Shakespeare’s female characters through spiky Shakespearean verse. The book creates new monologues and secret lives for these women, including Ophelia, Cleopatra, Lady Macbeth, and Desdemona.
Walter’s interest in Shakespeare’s women stems from her belief that there is a significant gap in the representation of women’s perspectives in his works. She feels that Shakespeare’s female characters are not given as much prominence as the male characters, with only 15 women’s parts falling into the top 100 roles based on the number of lines. Walter’s book aims to address this imbalance and provide a platform for these women to express themselves.
In addition to her writing, Walter is preparing to play Margaret Thatcher in an upcoming Channel 4 drama. She has been studying footage of Thatcher to capture her voice and mannerisms, aiming to portray the former prime minister authentically. Walter believes that this role will show a different side of Thatcher that has not been explored before.
Throughout her career, Walter has played a variety of complex and often unsympathetic characters, from Lady Macbeth to Succession’s Lady Caroline Collingwood. She attributes her ability to portray these characters to her upbringing in a family that valued icy composure and stoicism. Walter’s new book, She Speaks!, challenges traditional perceptions of Shakespeare’s women and gives them a platform to express their thoughts and feelings.
Walter’s interest in aging is reflected in her book Facing It, which celebrates older women and their unique perspectives. She believes that confidence and self-assurance come with age, and she cherishes the experiences and memories that come with growing older. Despite facing challenges early in her career due to her voice and appearance, Walter has become a respected and versatile actor, known for her compelling performances on stage and screen.
Overall, Harriet Walter’s contributions to the world of acting and literature have been significant, and her latest book She Speaks! is a testament to her commitment to giving a voice to Shakespeare’s female characters. Through her writing and performances, Walter continues to challenge stereotypes and pave the way for more diverse and nuanced portrayals of women in the arts.