In this video, I describe my method for uncovering and utilizing the core message in a speech or scene: the telegram exercise.
This is one way to help move the story forward in a way that the audience will understand. The exercise is based on Stanislavski’s concept of the single stress – emphasizing the most important word in a sentence.
This exercise is especially useful in Shakespeare, where we as modern actors may struggle with the language.
The Telegram Exercise with Hamlet
We’ll use a tiny speech of four lines at the beginning of Act III, Scene 1 of Hamlet.
Here, Claudius speaks with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.
Claudius:
And can you by no drift of circumstance Get from him why he puts on this confusion, Grating so harshly all his days of quiet With turbulent and dangerous lunacy?
Hamlet, III.1
The Telegram
What is this sentence about?
I distill the telegram from this: “Get from him why…”
This is the thrust of the line, what Claudius wants. This is the part of the line that moves the action forward.
The Letter and Imagery
What supporting information or metaphors does the speaker use and what does this teach us about the sentence / speech?
“By no drift of circumstance…”
This suggests something exploratory, perhaps floating adrift at sea. The king is saying, “Talk around the subject with him and maybe Hamlet will betray himself.”
“He puts on this confusion…”
Claudius believes that Hamlet is faking his confusion. Claudius does not trust his stepson.
“Grating so harshly…”
Grating is a noise, and it’s physical, harsh — very strong. And it contrasts with ‘all his days of quiet.’
Next, take out the imagery…
“And can you get from him why he puts on this confusion with dangerous lunacy?”
This tells you which words carry the force and meaning of the sentence.
The most important words that will communicate to the audience the meaning of the sentence.
In my opinion, you don’t emphasize or color the imagery. You let it ride. You keep the energy on the story words. The words that push the action forward.
So there you have it. You can use this exercise to explore lines and scenes for greater understanding as well as clarity when you speak the lines on stage.
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