![Final Session – Shakespeare’s “Richard II” – the king deposed (Act 4, Sc 1) – The Rehearsal Room [Video, Audio, and Transcript versions]](https://workingactorsjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/cropped-WAJfavicon-2-32x32.png "Final Session – Shakespeare’s “Richard II” – the king deposed (Act 4, Sc 1) – The Rehearsal Room [Video, Audio, and Transcript versions]")
Final Session – Shakespeare’s “Richard II” – the king deposed (Act 4, Sc 1) – The Rehearsal Room [Video, Audio, and Transcript versions]
Description
</figure>In the world of Shakespearean drama, few scenes capture the essence of power, downfall, and human vulnerability as poignantly as Act 4, Scene 1 of Richard II. Recently, our Rehearsal Room became a vibrant space of exploration and discovery as we examined the roles of Richard and Bolingbroke. This series was not just about reciting lines but about delving into the depths of these characters, understanding their motivations, and bringing their struggles to life.
In the Final Session…
Nick, who initially saw Richard as a character who dominated the scene, found new layers of discomfort and tragedy in his portrayal. He noted how Richard, despite his eloquence, seemed to unravel himself with every word, sealing his fate through his inability to remain silent. This realization brought a new dimension to Richard’s character, highlighting the internal conflict and the tragic inevitability of his downfall.
Jamal, on the other hand, resonated deeply with Bolingbroke’s journey. He described the weight of kingship that Bolingbroke inherits, a burden that is both physical and spiritual. As Richard relinquishes his crown, Jamal felt the transfer of power and the heavy responsibility that comes with it. This exploration of Bolingbroke’s character was not just about power but about the human condition and the roles we are born into.
The session also delved into the language of Shakespeare, with particular attention to the use of rhymed couplets and the duality of the characters. Miranda, our dramaturg, highlighted how Richard’s use of couplets mirrored Bolingbroke’s, creating a poetic dance between the two characters.
What happened in the Final Session?
🏁 In our third and final week, highlights include:
- Exploring the duality and transformation of Richard and Bolingbroke
- Delving into the emotional weight of kingship and its consequences
- Insights into the intimate versus public nature of Richard’s deposition
- Plus, Q&A with the artists!
Watch the Final Session!
Full transcript included at the bottom of this post.
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</figure>And there’s the audio version too – you still get everything from listening!
<iframe title="Embed Player" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/34597870/height/128/theme/modern/size/standard/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/000000/time-start/00:00:00 /hide-playlist/yes/download/yes/font-color/FFFFFF" height="128" width="100%" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" oallowfullscreen="true" msallowfullscreen="true" style="border: none;"></iframe>Total Running Time: 2:06:21
- Stream by clicking here.
- Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as/save link as”.
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Short on time?
Check out this 50-second clip from our Final Session where Miranda discusses the relationship of Bolingbroke and Richard!
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><iframe title="Richard II and Bolingbroke are mirrors of each other in many ways! #shakespeare #richardii #acting" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xA1lO7yaRqA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
And here’s an intriguing quote from the final session…
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