1. One of the cultures I have decided on is Shakespeare. I am not completley unfamiliar with it, in fact, I’m rather familiar. But it’s something that I’m deeply interested in, and I would find great enjoyment in exploring it. One can never know too much.
2. The most notable I can think of is the style of writing: beautiful, rich, poetic, memorable. There are many lines that are so famous that even those who aren’t familiar with theater recognize (“To be or not to be” comes to mind). It can also be interpreted as a style of acting too: theatrical, big, yet still maintaining an interpersonal connection with the audience, as some monologues and asides require the actor to do so.
3. Shakespeare is, of course, highly regarded in British theater, seeing as he’s considered one of the greatest writers in the English language. His plays are constantly performed all over the world, from middle schools to the Royal Shakespeare Company. I would have to do more research on Elizabethan culture to determine how heavily politics or society had an impact on his work, but I do know that the reason his plays are so repititious (and the reason that his monologues consistently address the audience instead of another character in the scene) is that it was a method in order to get the audience’s attention, as they were often standing around drinking and talking. It’s a bit like Cabaret, I suppose.
But not too much like that.
4. I want to do a research paper about why Shakespeare’s work is so relatable, and so heavily performed in practically every medium. It’s very vague at the moment, but I’ll narrow it down as I continue my research. The play I wish to use is the one widely regarded as Shakespeare’s best, and my favorite tragedy of his, Hamlet.
~Helena
Hi Helena:
Lets name your theatre practice “Elizabethan.” That way it includes perhaps more than Shakespeare. You mentioned language as a possible starting point for your research topic. As soon as you decide upon a script, and it is fine that it is Shakespeare ( not unfamiliar, depending on the research topic), you can begin narrowing your topic. Choose a play you are not familiar with, one of the lesser known plays maybe? Please see me about two things: 1. Can you attend the Reed College Measure For Measure performance on Nov. 12th? is that not a performance night for you? Measure For Measure would be a very interesting script as it is considered a “problem play” and a comedy. As far as comedy goes, it is odd and unfunny. 2. Are you interested in entering a competition performing a monologue from one of Shakespeare’s plays? The play would be your choice. I have the info on this. See me about this specifically, ok? Jane