Performing Shakespeare (with KAMAL SEHRAWY) - pt. 1

Watch a preview video of this class here!

This 3-part class will be formed around meeting Shakespeare’s words, devices, and verse with our own imaginations. Each iamb and line ending provides structure through limitation, and every word Shakespeare employs offers direction and opportunity around the human being we’re creating.

We’ll start with a broad investigation of what separates Shakespeare from other dramatic literature before familiarizing ourselves with verse structure and engaging as a group with an excerpt from one of Shakespeare’s plays. This will pave the way for actors to work on monologues and, eventually, scene work in the following sessions.

Together, we will dispel any lofty superstitions around Shakespeare and alleviate the need to adhere to the “rules” of performing his texts, instead using those conventions as clues to inform the choices we make. The result will be characters who are as nuanced, indecisive, and passionate as we are.