Performance Choices

             Performance choices are the stylistic techniques that the actor or actress uses to enhance the performance. In Act I, scene ii of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, I played the role of Hamlet. I chose to verbalize the aside, “A little more than kin, and less than kind!” This line shows the audience that Hamlet is aware that King Claudius’ reference to him as a “cousin” and a “son” is suspicious. When I said, “ Ay, madam, it is common,” I said it in a very derogatory tone. I wanted to show the Queen how it was not common for my noble father to suddenly die. When the Queen asked me why I was still mourning, I responded with anger and authority. I wanted to show the audience that although I verbally agreed with the Queen, my heart disagreed.