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Speaking Shakespeare

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( 177 ratings, 17 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Speaking Shakespeare by Patsy Rodenburg is an insightful guide that delves into the nuances of performing Shakespeare's works. Offering practical advice and techniques, this book aims to enhance the reader's understanding and delivery of Shakespearean language, making the timeless texts accessible and vibrant for actors and enthusiasts alike.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're keen on mastering the art of performing Shakespeare. The author, Patsy Rodenburg, offers valuable insights and techniques to help actors connect with and deliver Shakespearean dialogue with authenticity and power. This might appeal to both seasoned performers and those new to Shakespeare, enhancing your appreciation and understanding of his timeless works.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

From A Midsummer Night's Dream's Puck to Othello's Desdemona, this new edition of Speaking Shakespeare gives you all the necessary tools to bring any of Shakespeare's eclectic characters to life.

Patsy Rodenburg uses practical exercises and textual analysis to hone in on your dramatic resonance, breathing, and placement in order to unlock your potential for playing these iconic characters. Speeches and scenes such as Mark Antony's "O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth" and the bloody scene in which Macbeth admits to Lady Macbeth that he has "done the deed" are placed in context and discussed in depth.

Combining clear practical, textual, and imaginative work with a brilliant analysis of scenes and speeches from the whole range of Shakespeare’s plays, this is an essential and inspiring guide for anyone working on his plays today. It brings a renewed focus on the language of power, so frequently spoken in the worlds of politicians and company directors, which will give readers insight into the potency of clear, direct communication, specifically in the context of Shakespeare.

Each chapter has been revised following the author's 20 additional years of experience as a voice coach and includes techniques necessary for a clear and convincing performance.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Speaking Shakespeare by Patsy Rodenburg is praised for its ability to swiftly free actors from complexity, enabling empowerment through straightforward and practical techniques. The Times Literary Supplement commends Rodenburg's profound understanding of Shakespeare's plays and describes the book as both admirably written and cliche-free, particularly highlighting the illuminating analysis in the final section.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781350161658

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 21 September 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Methuen Drama

Edition: 2nd edition

Audience: Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 138.0mm

Height: 214.0mm

Weight: 461g

Pages: 360

About the Author

Patsy Rodenburg OBE, has been the Director of Voice at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London for 26 years and until recently at the Royal National Theatre. She trained in Voice Studies at the Central School of Speech and Drama and is recognized as one of the world's leading voice teachers and coaches, and also as a renowned authority on Shakespeare. She is also a best-selling author whose notable publications include Speaking Shakespeare, The Right to Speak, The Need For Words, The Actor Speaks, The Second Circle, and Power Presentation.

Patsy has worked regularly with the best-known actors of the British theatre, including Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, and Daniel Day-Lewis, to name a few, as well as many of the biggest stars of film and television such as Nicole Kidman, Orlando Bloom, Hugh Jackman, and Natalie Portman. She was previously in residence with the Royal Shakespeare Company for 9 years and has worked with The Royal Court Theatre, Donmar and Almeida Theatre in London. She has also worked extensively with many of the great world theaters such as the Moscow Art Theatre and ComΓ©die-Francaise. Patsy's home in America is at the renowned Michael Howard Studios in New York City where she teaches workshops for the professional actor. Under the Michael Howard Studios banner. She travels around the world teaching and speaking, from Los Angeles to Canada to Portugal, from Australia to India.

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