Translating Shakespeare into ASL
Clip: Season 50 Episode 19 | 2m 1sVideo has Closed Captions
Monique Holt explains how she translates Shakespeare into ASL.
Monique Holt explains how she translates Shakespeare into ASL for her role of Duchess of York in Richard III.
Major series funding for GREAT PERFORMANCES is provided by The Joseph & Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation, the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Arts Fund, the LuEsther T. Mertz Charitable Trust, Sue...
Translating Shakespeare into ASL
Clip: Season 50 Episode 19 | 2m 1sVideo has Closed Captions
Monique Holt explains how she translates Shakespeare into ASL for her role of Duchess of York in Richard III.
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipSo the language often - people don't realize we need more time hearing actors will read it and speak the words and feel it in.
Yeah, you know, that takes more time to figure out how to speak it appropriately with the parameters that it's - that they use for the beats.
But what is the meaning behind what they're saying?
And then figuring out the hand shapes that I'm using to show to mimic that.
You know, it's very complicated.
It's hard to explain to.
For example, when I was speaking with Richard III, I was explaining my terrible experience of when he was born as a baby.
So one hand shape I chose to use was this for struggle, pain.
And then finally, you were born so use that same hand shape to morph that rhythm.
And it's choreography for my signs.
And that's not only for American Sign Language because ASL - it doesn't have that.
They just go all over the place.
But for this you have to be thoughtful.
And the choreography of your hands, you make sure that it has that same efficient, meaningful, authentic movement that goes with the flow.
Creating an Inclusive Richard III
Video has Closed Captions
Danai Gurira, Ali Stroker and Monique Holt discuss diversity and inclusion in Richard III. (1m 57s)
Danai Gurira Performs Richard III's Opening Monologue
Video has Closed Captions
Danai Gurira performs the opening monologue of Richard III. (2m 35s)
The Duchess of York Curses Richard III
Video has Closed Captions
The Duchess of York (Monique Holt) curses her son, Richard III (Danai Gurira). (1m 46s)
Video has Closed Captions
Watch highlights from "Richard III," starring Danai Gurira. (3m 11s)
Video has Closed Captions
Queen Margaret (Sharon Washington) curses the house of York. (3m 33s)
Video has Closed Captions
Experience Shakespeare’s tragedy recorded from Central Park starring Danai Gurira. (30s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipMajor series funding for GREAT PERFORMANCES is provided by The Joseph & Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation, the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Arts Fund, the LuEsther T. Mertz Charitable Trust, Sue...