Monologue Project.
“To Be, or Not to Be”
When it comes to Shakespeare’s speeches, everyone is familiar with Hamlet’s "To be, or not to be." We know there are so many more Shakespeare monologues that deserve their time in the spotlight. Shakespeare from the Ground would like to do something about that.
Through Shakespeare from the Ground’s Monologue Project, we will shine that spotlight on Shakespeare’s speeches that might not be mainstream but have meaning, make commentary, or mark a change within the play. If you have a favorite moment you think needs to be portrayed or a series of Shakespeare’s lines that moves you, we'd love to see it!
We are collecting short video clips (between 1 and 3 minutes) of Shakespeare monologues of your choice. It doesn’t need to be complicated; we want just you, Shakespeare, and a camera. Our goal is to collect a library of these lesser-known monologues and post one on our website every week 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! All you need to do is fill out the form below and click Submit to get the conversation going. If you already have a recording posted to YouTube you can include the link in the Message box at the bottom of the form. Are you ready to take to the boards once again…virtually?
Submit Your Shakespeare Monologue.
The Monologues
Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night II.ii
Character: Viola
Actor: Sam White
I left no ring with her: what means this lady? Fortune forbid my outside have not charm'd her! She made good view of me; indeed, so much, That sure methought her eyes had lost her tongue, For she did speak in starts distractedly. She loves me, sure; the cunning of her passion Invites me in this churlish messenger. None of my lord's ring! why, he sent her none. I am the man: if it be so, as 'tis, Poor lady, she were better love a dream. Disguise, I see, thou art a wickedness, Wherein the pregnant enemy does much. How easy is it for the proper-false In women's waxen hearts to set their forms! Alas, our frailty is the cause, not we! For such as we are made of, such we be. How will this fadge? my master loves her dearly; And I, poor monster, fond as much on him; And she, mistaken, seems to dote on me. What will become of this? As I am man, My state is desperate for my master's love; As I am woman,--now alas the day!-- What thriftless sighs shall poor Olivia breathe! O time! thou must untangle this, not I; It is too hard a knot for me to untie!
Get Involved!
Are you hooked? We’d love to have you participate in our Shakespeare Monologue Project! If you need help with anything, from finding the right Shakespearean verse to getting your monologue recorded, we are here for you. Just click the Request Information Button to send us an email letting us know what you’d like help with and we’ll get you started. We are Accessible, Collaborative Theatre.