Acting for Dummies?

Subject:

Any person seeking to become a world class recognized actor might want to pose as Richard III on their debut. Richard III, by William Shakespeare is the perfect example of how essential actors are in theatre. It demonstrates the way an actor can betray, confuse, and control the minds of the audience. There is no doubt that any director searching for an actor to mimic Richard would have to spend an extended amount of time.

The actor must be able to manipulate and deceive his own persona in order to portray the character of Richard. The actor must be able to dominate diction and language, because it is through the authority of this verbal communication that the audience will overlook Richard’s treachery and evil behavior at the beginning of the play. Richard is not only there to seduce Lady Anne or convince the people that the King was whom to blame for Clarence’s death. The audience must sympathize with an enigmatic and charming Richard at first, but as the play continues, the spectators ought to experience an unsettled relationship with Richard III. Once Richard becomes King the actor must make the audience realize the real “boar” and “hell hound” he is. In order for any actor to master this change he must study the psychology of evil minds.

It is vital that the artist rehearses Richard’s monologues over and over. It is through these monologues that the audience and reader admire Richard. By skillfull points of view, Richard is able to present his egotistical desires in a very sensitive way. A perfect example to look at is in Act I, scene I, where Richard states his evilness towards others because they troubled him due to his physical deformity. This monologue makes any reader feel some sympathy towards Richard.
Therefore, if you are an actor, you might want to think twice about choosing the role of Richard in William Shakespeare’s play.

Jimmy