Shakespeare
There are many challenges that can occur when attempting to perform Shakespeare
within a different context to the traditional style. Barton describes the main problem as
“how to marry the Elizabethan text and acting tradition with our modern acting tradition.”
(Barton, 1984, 25). We have taken Shakespeare’s words and completely flipped the meanings by setting it within a comedic stand up style. Many people would disagree, stating that Shakespeare can’t be changed, or that we don’t understand the intent or the true meaning. Davies explains, “He was drunk with the power of words and many argue that it is his language rather plot which provides the real structure of his plays.” (Davies, 2007, 89). If language overrides plot, does this mean that the language only ever has one meaning? We challenge this, if language is what is great about his work then surely it could work in different scenarios and various plots.
As an actor, it can be incredibly hard to perform Shakespeare, (especially when you’ve performed the plays before within the tradition Shakespeare style), and to flip it to work within a modern context is what I found very challenging. Voice exercises are extremely important, as we couldn’t be speaking within the iambic pentameter. Voice teacher Patsy Rodenburg explains, “Actors have to engage an audience. They must be able to connect to experience and internalise the physical operation…” (Davies, 2007, 89). Language is extremely important, but it could easily be misinterpreted to various different meanings, even Shakespeare’s. The only way to make this happen on stage is to really understand and feel what you’re character is saying and feeling. Harold Pinter explains that with Shakespeare it isn’t a question of what the line means, but of emphasising the word and the meaning will become clear.” (Davies, 2007, 89). We had to change the normal, natural rhythm of the text, to the natural tone that goes within our context that can make it comical.
The Reduced Shakespeare Company posed this challenge when deciding to put on The Complete Works of Williams Shakespeare in the space of ninety-seven minutes. Kilmek explains that “In a show this daft, that the most inconstant character becomes the most rewarding constant is, to quote a third U2 song, ‘a dangerous idea that almost makes sense.’” (Kilmek, 2012). The Reduced Theatre Company’s work is devoted to searching for new material, or pre-existing text, and changing it in a way that is innovative and fresh. For an actor, perhaps one of the most challenging that comes from taking a popular well known text is finding a way to deliver it in a complete different style, this is something to embrace. Besides,
“language is not a blueprint, it’s not there to box you in but to liberate you.”
. (Davies, 2007, 91).
Works Cited
Barton, J. (1984) Playing Shakespeare. London: Methuen Drama.
Davies, O, F. (2007). Performing Shakespeare. London: Nick Herns Books.
Kilmek, C. (2012). OMG, Shakespeare can text message! [online] Washington City Paper. Availble from http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/articles/42117/the-two-gentlemen-of-verona-reviewed-omg-shakespeare-can-text/ [Accessed 25 May].