Though they are often read in script form, William Shakespeare's plays were intended for live performance. In their original environment, they did not exist as texts in the literary canon. The plays of Shakespeare's theater company were recorded in writing and collected almost exclusively after his death. But modern performances of Shakespeare's plays face unique acting challenges.
The language of Shakespeare's time is difficult for many modern actors and audience members to understand; the Bard often uses familiar words in archaic ways, causing significant uncertainty. A complete understanding of any work for the stage necessitates a live performance. Here is some advice for actors whose goal is to accurately and effectively perform Shakespeare's work for a modern audience.
Stay Open-Minded
Many actors are intimidated by Shakespearean texts. Shakespeare himself is often regarded as the greatest playwright in English literature. Some actors fear that anything less than a flawless performance will constitute an act of violence against the Western canon. It is important for these actors to relax. Shakespeare wrote his plays for wide audiences. Tickets were available for working-class Londoners; though they had to stand, these patrons appreciated the works as well as their more educated counterparts in the seats. Engaging Shakespearean plays with an open mind is key to a successful performance.
Learn the Language
It is also important for actors to familiarize themselves with Shakespeare's language. There are many annotated editions of Shakespeare's plays available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. For clear scholarly notes, the Arden Shakespeare is a solid choice. Plays published by the Folger collection feature convenient notes on pages facing the main text. These notes will serve as a guide to help an actor understand the nuances of the play's language.
It may also be helpful for actors to rephrase or "translate" the language into their own words. Contemporary audiences in Shakespeare's time would have been better equipped to understand the wordplay that Shakespeare incorporated into his scripts. Understanding and conveying these deeper meanings is an important objective for every Shakespearean actor.
A Modern Perspective
Most importantly, actors in Shakespearean theater should bring their own unique voices to the production. The characters of Shakespeare have a long tradition in performance, and the temptation exists to play these personalities in accordance with previous interpretations. But the lasting appeal of Shakespeare's work is in its timelessness. Shakespeare's plays continue to challenge modern conventions and sensibilities.
In order to participate in the ongoing discourse of the playwright's work, an actor must bring his or her own individual, modern viewpoint to the task. Imitating a half-hearted British accent or trying to channel Olivier are not the most effective strategies available to a Shakespearean actor. Instead, actors should work toward the following goals:
- Engage with Shakespearean texts openly and fearlessly
- Understand and appreciate the nuances of Shakespeare's language
- Maintain and cultivate an individual voice and perspective in all aspects of production
