Rumination: Shakespeare Behind Bars

When reading an original Shakespearean play, it is important (if not entirely necessary) to take into consideration the small writing in the margins. Often, these clarifications tell us how a character spoke their dialogue (was it sarcastic? bitter? whispered? laughed?) They can also give us a feel for the emotion behind the words (if a line is said by a character followed by the stage direction of "storming out the door" we can tell that the dialogue was very emotional and intended to offend or insult). While these stage directions and voice clarifications help enhance a reader's interpretation of the play, physical performances of the plays often stray from these directions, changing their meaning. In "Shakespeare Behind Bars," several slight (and perhaps unintended) changes to the play's portrayal have altered its meaning and tone.

For example, when viewing the performance of the prison inmates during their lines of dialogue, it is hard not to notice the way they intensely elevate the volume of their speech. In many instances, they are almost yelling their lines. Perhaps this is reflective of their own personal experiences within prison: participating in the play may be the only time throughout their incarceration term that they feel that they have a voice. Do they yell their lines because they are caught up in the excitement of finally being heard? 

Typically in performances, actors are encouraged to speak their lines clearly and slowly as to avoid appearing "babbling"to the audience. However, many of the inmates say their lines very quickly, establishing an air of anxiety in their words. This slight change in tempo gives Shakespeare's play a different tone than originally intended for the text  - however this tone change does not harm the play's effect; instead, it offers a different view of a famous text. The anxiety in the speech of the inmates also brings an air of passion into their dialogue. This passion may very well be fueled by their emotional stories about how they became incarcerated. One man, who spoke about having a very tumultuous romantic relationship with an ex-wife appears to allow his feelings of frustration, loss, and guilt into his performance. In this way, perhaps Shakespear behind Bars is more reflective of real life than the original text is.