Acting Notes

When acting out Shakespeare, it is critical to convey exactly the emotion and tone of the line in order to give a better understanding of the complex dialog. Especially now when Shakespeare language is archaic and overly verbose. For example, an actor in Act II Scene II (pg 755) might choose to play Polonius as a dumbfounded, oblivious old fool who does not understand that Hamlet is playing word games with him. This would play juxtaposition to the hidden intelligence of Hamlet. Another interpretation might cast Polonius as a quick witted old man who plays along with Hamlet who would be played as a mad man.