Much Ado About Blogging
May 16, 2012
When the director, Helen Crosse, cast me as the role of Benedick, I wasn't quite sure how to react or what to say. A sense of real excitement came over me as it is a role that I believe to be one of the more difficult male roles Shakespeare wrote. It might be easy to say that he is a huge misogynist and just a typical soldier. However, I think it is clear to see that there is a huge sensitivity, awkwardness and self-conscious manner about him. Reading the play has been a tough task at times as it is easy to just get carried away with the comedy and love the play for that reason, but there is a lot of pain and anger portrayed by all the characters. I admit that at times it can be just pun after pun after pun, which, don't get me wrong, I enjoy! But I know that Shooting Stars Theatre Company like to explore all dimensions of text and this play definitely has that.
Benedick has so many relationships that need figuring out and exploring. Obviously with Beatrice, Claudio, Don Pedro and Leonato but there are some that are lost - namely with Margaret. I'm excited about getting started on all of them - probably over a beer or two!
Another thing playing on my mind is that these men are soldiers. They need routine, strength and fitness – one thing that is definitely missing from my life (sigh). And so the work begins and in the words of Benedick – 'I am engaged'.
by Michael Totton
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