how can i play Caithness in Macbeth when I'm a girl?

Question

At my school we are doing they play Macbeth, but the theme is the 1970s-80's punk london ara. I got cast as a noblemen named Caithness. i only have three lines and since i'm playing a man when i am very much a women, it would most likely be difficult. at the same time i want to feel as important as the lead roles, even though i only have three lines. does anyone have any advice on how to do that?

Answer 1

I think the fact that your version of the play is being transposed into a contemporary setting pretty much answers your question for you. As among the London punks of the 70s and 80s, I should imagine that the girls were just as tough as the boys.

As one of the noblemen...er, noblePERSONS in "Macbeth," Caithness does what everyone does: he (or she) chooses a side. Caithness chooses to oppose Macbeth. Given your setting, I don't think you'll find it too difficult to find a modern "hook" into the world of the play.

As for "feeling as important" as the leads in the show...relax. You were cast in a small role, and that's the truth of the matter. You have to embrace the opportunity for what it is. BUT, and this is key, in Act V, scene ii, the play, however briefly, WILL be all about you. As you've pointed out, you only have three speeches, but they're critically important. You ask a key question (re: Donalbain), you appear to have some inetlligence as to the movements/activities of Macbeth at Dunsinane, and you have that lovely patriotic speech ("Well, march we on...") at the end of the scene.

Here's the thing to remember: by the time you get the chance to have your voice heard in this play, a great deal of MOMENTUM will have built up. It will be your job to SUSTAIN that momentum, and to keep it moving forward. It's no small feat. If you're not 100% prepared when your moment comes, you could easily undermine everything that has led to that moment. So, you see, you don't need to do anything to MAKE your role important: it already is.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Very very interesting...just remember that when those plays were performed during the time of Shakespeare, the men (young boys) always played the part of the women, so what a neat thing to think about when your playing the part of a man is that the roles are reversed now in the 21's century. Focusing on that might give you the pride you need to get the job done! Gratz and have fun!

Answer 3

You don't say whether you'll be playing it as though Caithness is a girl, or if you're supposed to act as though you're a man.

I've played several men's roles in Shakespeare, and I've always just played it as though it's really a woman. Have you talked to the director about it? Is there any reason you can't be a woman in a man's world, so to speak?

Answer 4

Too funny. I am in the opposite situation, a guy playing a guy who plays a female set in Shakespeares times. So I am having to learn the female roles.

All I can say is the same advice some have given me here. With only 3 lines it is more about how you act, your mannerisms etc than anything that will convey you as being a man on stage or not. Watch how guys stand, walk, act etc. And then copy those mannerisms. Practice them at home and so on.

This is as much about your presence on stage as it is what you say with your lines and how you say it. Worry about your voice last of all.

Good luck and have fun!