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After watching this short 1 minute clip: what is the effect of the actors' movements and how do they use movements to develop their character's...

With any of Shakespeare's plays, it helps to understand them better by seeing the characters come to life with movement. Often, when simply reading a play, students are confused because they can't see the nonverbal body language that assists in the communication and understanding behind characters' motives and behaviors. After viewing this referenced video clip, a student might understand better the hilarity behind Titania showing enthusiastic love towards Bottom because he has the donkey's head...

With any of Shakespeare's plays, it helps to understand them better by seeing the characters come to life with movement. Often, when simply reading a play, students are confused because they can't see the nonverbal body language that assists in the communication and understanding behind characters' motives and behaviors. After viewing this referenced video clip, a student might understand better the hilarity behind Titania showing enthusiastic love towards Bottom because he has the donkey's head on. Bottom is singing because he thinks his friends left him in the forest to scare him; so, he's showing them that he isn't afraid. Neither does he know that he looks like a donkey because he is singing and acting naturally, like himself, without fear of what he looks like. His carefree attitude and movements help to show his mindframe and personality at that point in time. Then, the actress who plays Titania communicates her love for the beast by jumping around, by touching him affectionately, and by using a loving tone of voice. Again, body language helps audience members and students alike to understand what is being communicated other than just through the words, which many find difficult to understand as it is. 

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