Embodying Text: Shakespeare and Beyond
S06
Kirk Jackson
Students will investigate text analysis for performance: scansion, rhythm, sense stress, image work, phonetic phraseology, etc. and explore techniques for enlivening that analysis within the performing body. We study the structure of verse and elements of rhetoric as the primary source for an actor’s investigation and performance of a role. The majority of the term will be devoted to the language of Shakespeare and then we will test the application of these techniques to the dramatic texts such as G.B. Shaw and e.e. cummings. Without abandoning the playing of actions and objectives, we will study how heightened language combined with personalization, characterization, and actor-audience relationship informs the physical, vocal, emotional, and intellectual responsiveness of an actor.