HAMLET

by William Shakespeare

 

 

Project:  SO, YOU THINK THAT YOU CAN’T ACT IN HAMLET???

 

“But Ms. A….only stuffy English grown-ups can do Shakespeare!!!”

 

NAY!!!

 

 

We have already completed our reading of “Hamlet” in class last week.  Now, we can get to the fun stuff.

 

1.) Go to the webpage Shakespeare: Subject to Change (http://ciconline.org/bdp1/) and view the two clips from Hamlet.  One is done by Richard Burton, a “stuffy English grown-up”, the second is done by a modern young actor, Campbell Scott.

 

2.) Observe how these two very different actors perform the “To be or not to be” speech. 

-         Which one do you like/relate to?  Why?

-         How would you do the speech differently?

-         Notice the costumes/settings.  Which do you think works better and why?

 

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN

 

I would like you in groups to perform a short speech or scene from Hamlet.  NOT THE “TO BE OR NOT TO BE”; it’s been done to DEATH.

 

You may choose from:

 

♦ Polonius’ “advice” speech to his son, Laertes ( I, iii)

♦ Hamlet gets a visit from his father (I, v)  *This scene is a long one.  You may cut some lines, but if you do, tell me WHY you think they are not needed.

♦ Hamlet’s monologue: he will watch the reaction of the King to his play (II, ii)

♦ “But enough about Hamlet….” How about Claudius’ monologue in III, ii?

♦ Confrontation between Hamlet and Ophelia (III, i)

♦ Queen Gertrude’s description of Ophelia’s death (IV, vii)

♦ Or…pick one scene or monologue of your own – tell which you want to do.

 

“But, Ms. A, I can’t act!!” 

 

NO PROBLEM

 

All good scenes need directors, sets, costumes, and props.  One or two people in your groups may act as directors, costume designers, etc.

For each group:  Please list the name of everyone in your group.  Each group may hand in a one or two page paper stating:

 

1. Which scene you did
2. Did you cut any lines?  Why?
3. You may or may not want to use costumes and/or props.  If you do use a certain type of costume or prop, tell me why you think this enhances the scene.

 

 

Time:  Each monologue should last between 5-10 minutes; scenes may go between 10-15 minutes.

 

 

 

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, DON’T HESITATE TO ASK ME!!