Shakespeare Blog

Technique Notes Drawing understanding from the lines Articulation Exercises Articulation exercises help to ensure that an actors diction is correct which is especially important when working on Shakespeare as the diction defines the meaning of certain words and incorrect diction could result in the interpretation of the words/lines being incorrect. Due to being an old language, the audience understanding Shakespearean language is already hard to understand, so diction and articulation is vital in ensuring that the audience can hear exactly what the actor said.  Changing direction when the thought changes This helps the actor to fully understand and comprehend the thoughts and views of the character. I personally feel that this exercise is effective in helping the actor understand the overall thoughts and opinions of the character but is not really effective in exploring the deeper meaning and elements of the character's thoughts. This exerci...

Measure for Measure Plot Summary The play opens when the Duke of Vienna publicly announces that he is transferring the “deputation all the organs of our own power” to a man named Angelo; Angelo to be his deputy; the duke having plans to immediately leave the city.  He tells Angelo “to enforce the laws as to your soul seems good.”  When asked by the duke “what think you of it,” Escalus, a judge, replies “If any in Vienna be worth to undergo such ample grace and honor, it is Lord Angelo.”  We soon learn that Angelo, acting quickly as the duke’s deputy, has had Claudio arrested for “getting Julietta with child” and that “within these three days his head is to be chopped off” and that “all houses in the suburbs of Vienna must be plucked down.”  Claudio is just a regular guy whose fiancée is pregnant. As well, Claudio just happens to have a good-looking sister, Isabella. Angelo’s plan is to present a tough law-and-order front.  Claudio has been arrested to serve ...