Directing Shakespeare
There are two keys to directing Shakespeare for a modern audience:
1) Physicalize the transitions
2) Everything works on stage
By physicalize the transitions, I mean identify the emotional and intellectual transitions both within and between the lines, and use a physical change (blocking, business, set, lighting) to emphasize the change. This is the only compromise to you need to make to help the audience comprehend the story. You don’t have to set it in Nazi Germany or the Stone Age or the Far Future, all of which is usually a distraction after the first five minutes anyway.
By everything works on stage, I mean assume that whatever is written will connect with the audience if properly performed. He wasn’t having a bad day or attempting the impossible or trying to solve a theatrical problem. If it’s in the play, it works on stage. If it isn’t working, it’s your problem, not his.
1) Physicalize the transitions
2) Everything works on stage
By physicalize the transitions, I mean identify the emotional and intellectual transitions both within and between the lines, and use a physical change (blocking, business, set, lighting) to emphasize the change. This is the only compromise to you need to make to help the audience comprehend the story. You don’t have to set it in Nazi Germany or the Stone Age or the Far Future, all of which is usually a distraction after the first five minutes anyway.
By everything works on stage, I mean assume that whatever is written will connect with the audience if properly performed. He wasn’t having a bad day or attempting the impossible or trying to solve a theatrical problem. If it’s in the play, it works on stage. If it isn’t working, it’s your problem, not his.
This entry was included in the blog carnival at:
http://www.bardblog.com/shakespeare-blog-carnival-3/
Check it out for some interesting entries.
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