Why does Shakespeare write in the way he does? And how can actors
and directors get the most out of his incomparable plays?
In "Speaking the Speech," Giles Block - 'Master of the Words' at
Shakespeare's Globe - sets out to answer these two simple
questions. The result is the most authoritative, most comprehensive
book yet written on speaking Shakespeare's words.
Throughout the book, the author subjects Shakespeare's language to
rigorous examination, illuminating his extraordinary ability to
bring his characters to life by a simple turn of phrase, a breath
or even a pause. Block shows how we can only fully understand these
characters, and the meaning of the plays, by speaking the words out
loud.
Drawing on characters from across all of Shakespeare's plays - and
looking in detail at "Macbeth," "The Winter's Tale," "Hamlet," "The
Merchant of Venice" and "Much Ado About Nothing" - Block covers
everything the actor needs to know, including: the essential
distinctions between prose, rhymed verse and unrhymed verse, and
the different strategies to be used when speaking them; the
difference between 'you' and 'thou'; Shakespeare's use of silence;
and the vital importance of paying attention to Shakespeare's
'original' punctuation.
"Speaking the Speech" is a book for actors and directors who want
to improve their understanding of Shakespeare's language in order
to speak it better. It is also a fascinating read for anyone who
wants to deepen their appreciation of Shakespeare's language and
the way it comes to life when spoken aloud.
Shortlisted for The Society for Theatre's Research's 2013
Theatre Book Prize. Winner to be announced May 9, 2014.
"We call Giles our 'Text Guru' at the Globe, partly in jest, and
partly out of respect for the depth of his knowledge, the
gentleness of his teaching, and the sudden illuminations he can
throw across a play. If this book can afford even a small part of
the pleasure and insight Giles can provide in person, then it will
be a great asset." Dominic Dromgoole, Artistic Director,
Shakespeare's Globe
"Giles deepened my love for Shakespeare and for the way we all
speak. I trust you will have a similar experience reading his
book." Mark Rylance, from his Foreword
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