The Tempest

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1. 
   malibrarian Teacher
   High School - 12th Grade

   There are two very important facets of performing Shakespeare (actually there are many more, but these are what came to mind when I read your question).

   The first is that the actors MUST understand what they are saying.  They have to know what the words mean, so if I were directing this play (or any Shakespearean play), I would spend a great deal of time with my actors, making sure they understand what their lines mean.  If the actors don't understand, then the audience won't either.

   The second is that the actors have to project and enunciate.  Yes, I would work on things like emotion, tone of voice, body movement, etc., but first and foremost, the actors have to slow down and enunciate their lines clearly, pausing for effect so the audience has a chance to catch up and understand what is happening.

   With 3.2, I would make sure Caliban is at his most disagreeable, and yet is trying really hard to win over Stephano and Trinculo.  He is really an evil little toad, but he's trying to convince these guys that he's the one who is put upon and doesn't deserve all of the horrible things that happen to him.

   4.1 is different because it is very long and is the only scene in Act 4.  There is a great deal of action and interaction in it, so it would be important for a director to choreograph it well so that the audience can keep up with what's going on.

   As I haven't directed this one, that's all I can offer. Let me know if you have other questions!

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   Posted by malibrarian on Monday March 17, 2008 at 10:25 AM
   
   

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