{"product_id":"9781848421912","title":"Speaking the Speech","description":"Why does Shakespeare write in the way he does? And how can actors and directors get the most out of his incomparable plays?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eSpeaking the Speech\u003c\/i\u003e, 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThroughout 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDrawing on characters from across all of Shakespeare’s plays – and looking in detail at \u003ci\u003eMacbeth\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eThe Winter’s Tale\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eHamlet\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eThe Merchant of Venice\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eMuch Ado About Nothing\u003c\/i\u003e – 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eSpeaking the Speech\u003c\/i\u003e 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eShortlisted for The Society for Theatre's Research's 2013 Theatre Book Prize. Winner to be announced May 9, 2014.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\"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.\"\u003c\/b\u003e Dominic Dromgoole, Artistic Director, Shakespeare’s Globe\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\"Giles deepened my love for Shakespeare and for the way we all speak. I trust you will have a similar experience reading his book.\"\u003c\/b\u003e Mark Rylance, from his Foreword\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Theatre Communications Group","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43085206552637,"sku":"9781848421912","price":30.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0603\/0838\/9949\/files\/9781848421912_p0.jpg?v=1775258624","url":"https:\/\/www.tatteredcover.com\/products\/9781848421912","provider":"Tattered Cover","version":"1.0","type":"link"}