Much ado about Shakespeare
January 13, 2012 11:14 am | Filed Under: Departments
Perhaps the most famous film version of the play, Kenneth Brannaugh's rendition is available both on Netflix and at the Blue Ash Public Library for those interested in seeing the show. Kenneth Brannagh is a renowned Shakespearean actor, having worked many years with the Royal Shakespeare Company in England. Joss Whedon, director and writer of the TV shows “Buffy” and “Firefly” is also releasing a movie based on the play in the upcoming year. (Image Credit: AltaVista)

Much ado about Shakespeare

The week before exams, Acting Ensemble B has been hitting the really old books. Shakespeare, to be specific. B’s students have been reading “Much Ado About Nothing.”

“Much Ado About Nothing” is comedy about two pairs of lovers, Claudio and Hero, a traditonal pair, and Benedict and Beatrice, two sarcastic and witty critics of love who end up falling in love even though they promised not to.

“We’re breaking it down, learning characters working a lot on the text,” said Megan Schindler, 11.

Being able to properly perform a Shakespearen monologue is a vital skill for hopeful actors, because when auditioning into an acting program in college or for scholarship, a monologue written before the 1900s is a requirement.

“It’s a lot of work,” said Matt Fischer, 11. It’s definitely worth it however. Shakespearean text, while intimidating, has definitely earned its reputation for being some of the best writing in the English language.

A prepared and well-practiced actor performing Shakespeare is a pleasure to watch, and colleges are only willing to take the best auditions possible, making the Shakespeare unit of the acting classes a vital one.

“It’s also more fun than you’d think,” said Schindler. Being able to work with such rich text, she explains, is definitely a pleasure.

To read more about Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” check out this article to read a synopsis of the play as well as a discussion of its themes.