Performing a Shakespearean monologue? (from As You Like It)?

Question

What good monologues from As you like it, are there?
(would the one about the all the world's a stage/ oliver and the lionness/ etc be good?) pls suggest


And what is a good method of performing a shakespearean monologue? should i act bits out....
if it's a slow paced one....what should i do?
If it's with emotion and action...what are good methods (without overreacting)?

Answer 1

Whichever one you choose, PERFORM it -- laugh, cry, use gestures. Begin by paraphrasing it into everyday English and you'll have a better understanding of what you're saying and be less likely to overact. And remember you don't have to do a full minute or two; most directors know enough after the first 15-30 seconds to make their decisions

Answer 2

In Shakespeare, you read to the punctuation. The only thing that might change between your natural speech and Iambic Pentameter in Shakespeare is your cadence, or the inflection you put on certain words of the sentence. As far as meaningful female monologues? The thing with Shakespeare is that at the time, the parts were written for men playing females, so the female parts tend to be smaller and not as "important". There are a few that I can suggest, though (and I won't even mention Romeo and Juliet). The Tempest (while being one of the few Shakespearian plays I haven't read) might have a good female monologue, considering the crutch of the two male leads is the daughter. Some Like it Hot, Taming of the Shrew, A Midsummer Night's Dream, MacBeth (probably the most prominent female lead in Shakespeare). These are all fantastic shows and might turn out to be your pot-o-gold. I hope I helped.

Answer 3

The best for a girl is the epilogue.

You just say the lines for good sense. I don't know what you mean by acting bits out. Whatever actions are required will be indicated in the words (Shakespeare was the all time master of translating action to speech.) so what ever occurs to you to do physically during your speaking of the line will probably be right.

Answer 4

Jacques all the world soliloquy has pretty much been done to death. he has another where he is desiring to be a fool which is funny. touchstone`s love speech, frederick`s find thy brother,, actually there are a fair few good ones in that play considering willie wrote it under duress