This assignment involves the analysis and performance of a Shakespearean monologue. In order to complete it you must do the following:

Step 1: Choice

Choose a monologue. It must be at least 12 lines as printed. Extra credit if you perform a monologue more than 25 lines.

http://www.shakespeare-monologues.org/

Step 2: Research

Research the character, language, and plot of the play the monologue is from.

http://absoluteshakespeare.com/guides/summaries/shakespeare_summaries.htm http://internetshakespeare.uvic.ca/Library/SLT/literature/languagesubj.html

http://internetshakespeare.uvic.ca/Library/SLT/plays/playssubj.html(interpretation)

Step 3: Analysis

Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper. Questions 2-5 should be approximately one paragraph each.

1. Character, Play, Act, & Scene

2. What is going on in the scene (i.e. what is the character talking about, who are they talking to, what happened prior to the monologue?)

3. What is the character's motivation (i.e. why are they doing what they're doing?)

4. What is the mood of the piece? Why do you get that impression?

5. Explain how you will portray the character. Are you choosing a traditional interpretation or a more modern version? What do you anticipate will be the most difficult aspect of this piece? How will you overcome that?

Step 4: Performance

You will perform live (if you cannot perform live during class for any reason, contact me). You may NOT use any costumes or props. You need to create the character and his/her situation using just your body and your voice. You may have a chair, if you want one.

Grading:

• Memorization

• Rules of Movement and Voice

• Interpretation of Character and Mood

• Purposeful Movement (Blocking) within the Monologue

• Questions answered completely.