Acting Company Activity #4

For this activity, your group will be implementing your given subtext for II.ii.41-71.  Be sure to analyze the speeches based on the following:

           

1.     Which words would Lysander and Hermia emphasize to show their subtext?

2.     What facial expressions would each character show during their speeches?

3.     What body language would be evident during their speeches?

4.     How would the two characters interact on the stage to show subtext?

5.     Examine the text for clues to staging and the characters’ movements.

6.     Keep in mind that there is sometimes action when there are no words. Build appropriate action between the lines as well as during the lines.

To help you understand how to portray your assigned subtext think about your character and answer the following:

·      Based on the text and your given subtext, what is the scene objective for Lysander? Hermia?

·      Based on the text and your given subtext, what do you think Lysander’s superobjective is for the play? Hermia’s?

Run through these lines at least three times with full action.  You do not need to memorize the lines, but you should be familiar enough with them that the book is only a reference, not a necessity.

Subtext assignments:

Part I:              L is macho, H is sarcastic

Part II:             L is innocent, H is seductive

Part III:            L is seductive, H is cold

Part IV:            L is smitten, H is tempted but chaste

Part V:             L is childish, H is ditzy