Speaking the Speech

A Definitive Guide to Verse Speaking

Giles Block on speaking Shakespeare's language

About the Ebook

Why does Shakespeare write in the way he does? And how can actors and directors get the most out of his incomparable plays?

In Speaking the Speech, Giles Block – 'Master of the Words' at Shakespeare's Globe – sets out to answer these two simple questions. The result is the most authoritative, most comprehensive book yet written on speaking Shakespeare's words.

Throughout the book, the author subjects Shakespeare's language to rigorous examination, illuminating his extraordinary ability to bring his characters to life by a simple turn of phrase, a breath or even a pause. Block shows how we can only fully understand these characters, and the meaning of the plays, by speaking the words out loud.

Drawing on characters from across all of Shakespeare's plays – and looking in detail at Macbeth, The Winter's Tale, Hamlet, The Merchant of Venice and Much Ado About Nothing – Block covers everything the actor needs to know, including: the essential distinctions between prose, rhymed verse and unrhymed verse, and the different strategies to be used when speaking them; the difference between 'you' and 'thou'; Shakespeare's use of silence; and the vital importance of paying attention to Shakespeare's 'original' punctuation.

Speaking the Speech is a book for actors and directors who want to improve their understanding of Shakespeare's language in order to speak it better. It is also a fascinating read for anyone who wants to deepen their appreciation of Shakespeare's language and the way it comes to life when spoken aloud.

'We call Giles our 'Text Guru' at the Globe, partly in jest, and partly out of respect for the depth of his knowledge, the gentleness of his teaching, and the sudden illuminations he can throw across a play. If this book can afford even a small part of the pleasure and insight Giles can provide in person, then it will be a great asset.' Dominic Dromgoole, Artistic Director, Shakespeare's Globe

'Giles deepened my love for Shakespeare and for the way we all speak. I trust you will have a similar experience reading his book.' Mark Rylance, from his Foreword

Why You'll Love This Ebook

• Master the technical and emotional skills of speaking Shakespeare's verse
• Learn from a celebrated Shakespeare's Globe Master of Play
• Discover how rhythm, meaning, and breath unlock classical text
• Study from Nick Hern Books' authoritative verse-speaking guide

Reviews

'Any student embarking on training, or any actor who wants to know more about Shakespeare's words and how to speak them, will learn a lot from this book' The Stage

'If you want to know how to do something well, find yourself the best expert in the field and get them to teach you. Giles Block is currently Master of the Words at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, and has been since its opening in 1999. ... I will certainly be using [his book] the next time I direct Shakespeare.' Teaching Drama Magazine

'A fascinating Virgilian tour through the circles of Shakespeare's language... This is a guide providing answers, in a craft demanding the rituals of mystery' Times Literary Supplement

'Fresh and innovative... a useful and valuable addition to the field of Shakespeare scholarship' ReviewsGate.com

'A tour de force from a theatrical insider... a handbook that Hamlet might have given to his players' Ink Pellet magazine

About the Author

Giles has led the text work at Shakespeare’s Globe since 1999, and to date has been involved in over 100 productions. Directing work for Shakespeare’s Globe includes: Antony and Cleopatra, Hamlet and Troilus and Cressida.

Posts include: Associate Director at Ipswich Theatre (1974 – 77), Staff Director at The National Theatre (1977 – 81) and Director of Platforms at The National Theatre (1981 – 84).

Other theatre direction includes: The Fawn, She Stoops to Conquer (National Theatre); Macbeth, The Cherry Orchard, King Lear, Richard III, Hamlet, Skylight and Vincent in Brixton (Shochiku Company, Japan). In 2000 the Association of Major Theatres of Japan recognised Giles for services to the Japanese Theatre. In recent years, Giles has directed The Tempest, Henry V and The Comedy of Errors at The Blackfriars Theatre in Virginia.

Giles is the author of Speaking the Speech – An Actor’s Guide to Shakespeare. In 2011, Giles, together with Glynn MacDonald, was given the Sam Wanamaker Award for services to the Globe.

Publication Details

ISBN (EPUB): 9781780012254
Publication Date: 12 June 2014
Pages: 384
Format: Ebook (EPUB)
Publisher: Nick Hern Books

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