Shakespeare's Henry V: Chorus to Act Four.

[XDancethrulifeX]

I'm doing this in my scene study class as a classical monologue for my final in a couple weeks. Any tips?

[Caspar33]

@XDancethrulifeX R U on stage or in a classroom. How big is the audience? Any say on the lighting? What will you wear?

[XDancethrulifeX]

@Caspar33 It's a black box stage. There will be about 50 people in the audience. I don't get to do anything with the lighting but I am working on a costume.

[acechadwick]

I am also doing an open air performance. Not so far from you (Wirral)

Glad that the rain actually may enhance the performance. I'm sure it will pour down on one of the nights!

No need for envy Caspar. Just do it again yourself.. And thank you for the good wishes.

[acechadwick]

In the last four lines what is Shakespeare trying to say? Is he mocking the players trying to stage the battle scene? I am playing Chorus and need to know how to best interpret this. Thanks Caspar. Great reading!

[Caspar33]

@acechadwick Hi, no its definitely CHARM offensive. He (Chorus and Shakespeare himself) still apologising for the ridiculous means at his disposal to present such an huge, epic story. Just a few actors and a bare wooden stage! In fact, if I may be so bold, I'd say that IS the key. To say how terribly sorry you are, on behalf of the company, that you are attempting to do the impossible but of course as long as 'YOU' the audience, use your magick IMAGINATION then things wont be quite so bad!! OK?

[acechadwick]

@Caspar33 Thank you! I see.

Along the same lines as "That have dared on this unworthy scaffold to bring forth so great an object"

I like that "CHARM offensive" and I will of course steal that phrase and take full credit for it!

Thanks for getting back so promptly. Much appreciated.

Jan

[Caspar33]

@Caspar33 Forget taking the credit rather concentrate on using all that marvellous blank verse to astonish, thrill and charm your audiences. I envy you! Best of luck. I did an open-air production as director to 1,000 a night + in a

medieval castle in Shropshire. The most astonishing performance was when it rained most of the way thro' the show. Added something extraordinary to the battle scenes. The audience by the way had all brought their hats and umbrellas.

[VENUZZA]

just beautiful

[XalmostbrokenX]

Loving the little head wobble at 2:20 XD Well spoken! Good recital my dear sir!

[Caspar33]

@XalmostbrokenX Cheers. Kind of you to say.

[loctia1]

Astounding reading! more than five stars

you are such a pro, friend

many cheers,

hunter

[Caspar33]

Thanks for that! In this case all the credit goes to the author. W.S. apparently played Chorus himself. Not surprising therefore that these purple passages (the six links that conjure and charm the audience into using their imaginations) are some of the finest he ever wrote.

[XaveJamesGrey]

Subtly expressive reading of a difficult passage. Your gesturing eyes emphasize the psychological in the text and engage the audience. Bravo! fav

[Caspar33]

Thanks James for that.

[keanghiero]

Great.

5*

all the best

Kean