Monday, October 18, 2010

An Interview: Henry


I recorded a series of interviews with actors from the 2010 Shakespeare Club. This is the first, with Henry.


mel: Why don't you tell us what grade you're in.

henry: I'm in fourth grade.

And what parts have you played in the Shakespeare Club?

I have played Malvolio in "Twelfth Night" and I have played King Duncan in "Macbeth."

Why did you think when you were in third grade that you even wanted to be in the club?

When I was in third grade...when I was in second grade and I saw the third-, fourth- and fifth-graders do the play it inspired me to do it myself.


Excellent. And what was your feeling about playing a part, say, like Malvolio?

My feeling was just great. I loved being funny. The yellow garter stockings really warmed my legs. [laughs]

What did you think about playing King Duncan?

Best time ever. I had good lines. I had one speech but it was a good one. And I loved my part, so that's about King Duncan.

And what would you say that you learned about yourself being in Shakespeare Club for two years?

I've learned that being in Shakespeare makes you feel great. It just makes you want to do more and more acting.

So like did you feel scared at first and then got confident, or what happened?

Yeah. Third grade I was so scared to put on the play. But now I'm like, "Hey, fine with me!"

What was your favorite thing about the performance day?

The whole performance day...oooh, that's a tough one. I'd have to say everything about that day. The play, my family coming, the presents I get.

Wow, what presents did you get?

Last year I got Mario Party 8 and a new sweater. This year, since I'm into this new thing called "Warriors" that I'm starting to read, I got two "Warriors" books.

What advice would you give to kids who think, "I'd like to be in Shakespeare Club but I'm not sure." What would you say to them?

Do it [big thumbs up] and you'll have the funnest time in your life. Serious.


Do you have any advice to make Shakespeare Club better?

Um. No, it's always perfect every year.

What did you like best about the story of Macbeth?

Um, well, I think the best part about Macbeth...the best part...was when Macbeth gives the speech...all the speeches are like beautiful speeches.

You mean the writing?

Yeah.

What do you think the audience should learn from seeing a play like "Macbeth"?

Don't be greedy. Don't be selfish. And if you're in England and your wife says to kill the King...don't do it, man, I'm serious! [big smile]


CHILDREN'S WRITES: A Journal Entry
Revenge

When Malcom's dad dies I wanted to find the person who did to my father. I want to be in the place where my father wanted me in. I wanted to take some one's head off but didn't want to die in Scotland. I wanted revenge when Macduff suspected me as the murderer. I wanted to help Macduff get revenge because Macbeth was evil.
Mark, 4th grade

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