BART 97A87 - Speech and Drama - Love and Politics in Shakespeare's Work

In this workshop, we will explore the tenuous connections between love and politics, in William Shakespeare's rich corpus of writing. We will perform situations and scenes that explore these deeply human issues in Shakespeare's plays. We will learn how to move and speak on stage to convey thoughts and emotions that are very contemporary to us while using Shakespeare's words. In addition, we will learn how to use the stage space and the body language. We will address issues of self-image and the image projected by others. Through an introduction to various tools, such as improvisation games, and the exploration of the ties between love and politics, we will also learn about ourselves, in a fun environment. We will explore how to establish a powerful and authentic relationship with an audience. Each class will have two tempi: The first hour will be mainly devoted to warm-ups, vocal and physical techniques and body language The second hour will focus on improvisations and work on Willie Shakespeare's texts and writing. The semester will end with a presentation of the chosen scenes in a continuity. Academic expectations At the end of the course, the student is expected to: 1°) Have gained confidence and ease on stage 2°) learn how to analyze Shakespeare applied to contemporary life. 3°) Perform a personal vision of Shakespeare's work

Jonathan GENÊT

Atelier

English

No phones or computers allowed during the class

Spring 2024-2025

1) Two letters/essays on your motivations to improve your skills in speech and drama: 30% 2) A prepared improvisation: 30% 3) A soliloquy or a scene from Shakespeare's work: 30% 4) Participation in class: 10% Assignments 1, 2 & 3 will be evaluated based on the following criteria: commitment and engagement/research and learning of the texts/elocution and clarity/character work and presence Late work policy Late work is not welcome as participation is key, 2 overdue dates are a maximum. Late arrival policy Late arrivals are not welcome as participation is key and it is disruptive for the group. 2 late arrivals are a maximum

Session 1: Self awareness versus Self consciousness: an exercise in bettering the knowledge of the image you have of yourself and the others in the group. One paper Session 2: Storytelling, how to present oneself through narration. Read extracts of play by Shakespeare. Session 3: Characterization: how to transform your body, voice and presence: recovering a sense of possibilities. What character would you like to play in Shakespeare and why? (No gender, age or type cast are necessary: You can play any character you like) Session 4: Body language: awareness and Imagination. In this session we will explore our bodies through accro-balance techniques, trust exercises and observation with constructive feedback. The freedom of acting a character. A first choice of scenes. Session 5: Space and text: this session will be dealing with our awareness of ourselves in a given space. How to know it and master it, individually and as a group. What image do we project on the group? How to make it a strength. Analysis of the chosen scenes, how to contextualize them in a contemporary setting. What would they mean today? Session 6: Timing and sharing: team work How to tell a story together. Move the texts in space. Session 7: Inspiration and observation: Watch and analyze extracts of Shakespeare plays showing the link between love and politics. Session 8: Brainstorming and preparation: What did we find out. Style search: defining a sense of identity. An exercise in observation and research. Each student will come up with a personal theme and prepare a presentation for the open workshops. Session 9: How to connect: impact and presence, voice and clarity of speech, making your point, understanding, sensing your audience Session 10: Leadership and "natural" authority: inviting your audience, engaging commitment, welcoming others. rehearsals. Session 11: Dealing with criticism: recovering a sense of autonomy and first end of year open workshop. Rehearsals Session 12: Presentation of the chosen scenes in a continuity