The quality of my voice may be strained
The high school I attended appeared to be one of the few which didn't demand it's pupils attend the near mandatory performance of at least one Shakespeare play. I didn't mind at the time, since my view, in common with that of British school children throughout the ages, was that it was little more than a tedious recitation of gibberish - and dull gibberish at that. Of course, we still had to read through the text of the Merchant of Venice, but we generally thought of that as the lesser punishment.
I regard it as a bit of shame nowadays, since it's only with the benefit of hindsight that I've come to realise how fine a storyteller Shakespeare was. The first Shakespeare play I properly witnessed on stage was The Twelfth Night. Performed at The Globe by an all male cast, it was something of an eye opening experience. In the hands of a more than capable troupe of actors, the text came alive, and I at last I understood what all the fuss was about. The linguistic flourishes, mangled so dreadfully by my classmates, were now lyrical and poetic, rather than antiquated. Even the somewhat contrived plot mechanics begin to make sense as crowd pleasing devices. I've seen a few more of his plays since then, but my fondest memories are still of the Twelfth Night in The Globe.
Largely because of this, I was gladdened to spot a notice in the paper this morning about the celebrations due to take place this Friday in honour of Shakespeare's birthday. Not only do the festivities allow for free entrance into the Globe, but they also include the chance to venture onto the stage and recite a Shakespearian line. I may not have much in the way of ambitions when it comes to acting, but I do have deep love of stages, and I have always wanted to stand in the center of a stage and gaze out across the auditorium. Preferably an empty auditorium, but beggars can't be choosers. Thankfully it's open until 8pm which gives me plenty of time to get there after work.
Well, that's my Friday evening sorted out...
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OK - two things. Firstly, take Friday off and be at the Globe from Thursday evening onwards - do you realise how many people are going to want to do this? Secondly, you big tease, don't you dare tell us you're planning this and then completely fail to tell us what line you intend to proclaim. Wouldn't it be a fascinating exercise to stay there all day and hear what other people chose to say, or be able to ask them why they chose it? Wow.
Something like this makes me wish my knowledge of Shakespeare was a LOT better. The only things I can think of that I would like to perform would be the somewhat cliched classics.
I've always enjoyed Shakespeare. I think I was lucky in secondary school - the kids in my English class were particularly good at reading it aloud. I mean, it wasn't particularly empassioned, but it was clear and easy to follow.
That being said, it is work meant to be performed. I have a much harder time reading it to myself. Maybe I should emphasize the funny voices more...
'twere I given a choice, Puck's soliloquy would be my pick. I'll leave to speculate on the reasons why...
If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended,
That you have but slumber'd here
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend:
if you pardon, we will mend:
And, as I am an honest Puck,
If we have unearned luck
Now to 'scape the serpent's tongue,
We will make amends ere long;
Else the Puck a liar call;
So, good night unto you all.
Give me your hands, if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends.
can anyone discuss the themes that a reiterated in Pucks soliquy...on the surface he is merely appologizing and telling the audience to take it lightheartedly and to just have fun..however, much more is truly being explained