Theatrical Performance
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Theatrical Performance
1. Why do you believe the director made the choices they did regarding the set, costume, and
lighting?
In all three of these videos, the director's choices in set design, costumes, and lighting
significantly contribute to the visual impact on the audience. Costumes, in particular, play a
pivotal role in conveying character traits and societal status, influencing our initial impressions.
For instance, Andrew Scott's character exudes professionalism, while Paapa Essiedu's attire
brings a playful and clownish demeanor, making it hard to take him seriously. Maxine Peake's
character, dressed as a prince, suggests a history of suffering. Additionally, lighting, skillfully
employed by the director, shapes the mood and focus of scenes, transitioning between dark,
moody atmospheres and warm, inviting ones. The choice of set highlights the iconic and
emotionally charged nature of Shakespeare's famous speech, each set providing a unique
perspective.
2. What made each actor's portrayal unique (mood, delivery, attitude)?
What sets each actor apart is their distinct approach to embodying their characters,
encompassing aspects like appearance, mood, tone, and demeanor. They infuse life into
Shakespeare's narrative in their individual, remarkable ways. Andrew Scott's performance is one
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of these videos' most compelling, genuine, and heartrending. His delivery resonates deeply,
evoking a profound emotional response. His subtle and non-declamatory tone perfectly aligns
with the production's mood. Scott's soft-spoken, ironically-infused Irish accent complements his
character's attitude. Next, Paapa Essiedu's uniqueness emerges through his deliberate emphasis
on specific words, unveiling fresh layers of meaning for the audience. His portrayal elicits
palpable anxiety, prompting contemplation of life's essence. His performance brims with intense
resentment, veering into hatred and revenge, all while maintaining a humorous tone, emphasized
by his character's painted suit and a paralysis-like delivery of "to be or not to be." Maxine
Peake's rendition is notable for its tonal variety, with her character exuding fierceness, purpose,
and indignation. The cloudy and disturbing mood she creates adds depth to the performance. Her
delivery is meticulous and impactful, with expressive nuances that emphasize the subject matter
and the haunting imagery of "bloody hands."
3. Thinking about all three of the provided clips, select the one portrayal you think seemed the
most authentic to the emotions of the text and discuss why. Be specific.
Andrew Scott's portrayal is the most authentic, in my view. His performance breathed
life into Shakespeare's character, making the story understandable and deeply moving. What
truly elevated this performance was the exceptional acting prowess on display. Within Scott's
rendition, the full spectrum of human emotions was explored. For instance, in one scene, he
exuded hyperactive energy, while in the next, he channeled anger, grief, and frustration, only to
transform into a more fragile and broken figure moments later. What made this performance
enthralling was the delicate balance between vulnerability and a disconcerting sense of danger in
certain moments. This added a fresh layer of tension and dynamism to the play, aligning
seamlessly with the emotional undercurrents of the text. Scott's ability to convey Hamlet's
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emotions, intentions, and motivations through speech and physicality was remarkable, making
his performance a standout interpretation of the character.
Works Cited
Mozez Aslam. "To Be Or Not To Be - Hamlet (Andrew Scott Full Soliloquy)." YouTube. 2018.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6CLdCl9TB0
Peake, Maxine. "To Be Or Not To Be," Hamlet. 2014. Manchester's Royal Exchange. The
Guardian.
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/video/2015/mar/09/maxine-peake-as-
hamlet-to-be-or-not-to-be-video
The Lowry. "Paapa Essiedu's 'To Be Or Not To Be, speech in Royal Shakespeare's Hamlet."
YouTube. 2018.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dZMJM-LGzQ
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