Speaking the Speech

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 BlockMaster of the Words at Shakespeares Globesets out to answer these two simple questions.  Throughout the book, the author subjects Shakespeares 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 Shakespeares plays and looking in detail at five, including Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing and Macbeth Block covers everything the actor needs to know.