I’ll Be Sworn Thou Art

-Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night

Through Shakespeare from the Ground’s Monologue Project, we shine a spotlight on Shakespeare’s speeches from our favorite characters who might not be mainstream but have meaning, make commentary, or mark a change within the play.

In Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, a sister and a brother are separated following a shipwreck and they find their way into new friends, love interests, and a case of mistaken identity. In Act I, Scene 5,Olivia finds herself in love with a young man and hasn’t a clue that it is really the sister in disguise. Comedy ensues.

Sarah Stark is a professional actress and model based in Michigan. She heard about the Monologue Project through a mutual friend and was excited to work with us. When asked what drew her to this monologue Stark said, “I have always loved Olivia as a character because of her passion and courage to overcome grief and accept love back into her life (albeit comically misplaced!). In this monologue she discovers her feelings and at the end, in a beautiful moment, decides to let love in.”

Sarah Stark as Olivia in Twelfth Night:

THE MONOLOGUE: TWELFTH NIGHT, ACT I SCENE 5, OLIVIA BY SARAH STARK

“'What is your parentage?'
'Above my fortunes, yet my state is well:
I am a gentleman.' I'll be sworn thou art;
Thy tongue, thy face, thy limbs, actions and spirit,
Do give thee five-fold blazon: not too fast:
soft, soft!
Unless the master were the man. How now!
Even so quickly may one catch the plague?
Methinks I feel this youth's perfections
With an invisible and subtle stealth
To creep in at mine eyes. Well, let it be.”

MORE ABOUT THE MONOLOGUE PROJECT

Our goal of Shakespeare from the Ground’s Monologue Project is to collect a library of Shakespearean monologues to share with our community for virtual entertainment while we are still socially distanced. You don’t need to be a professional actor to participate. If you’re inspired and ready to record, great! If you need help selecting your Shakespeare Monologue or getting it recorded, reach out and we’ll help you get the ball rolling. Are you ready to take to the boards once again…virtually?