"I was doing Hamlet in the off-season, and I had a specific idea in my mind about what I wanted that character to look like, and because it's going to lead into the next year, I knew that it was going to have to be established somewhere in the show"
About this Quote
In the quote by Michael Shanks, he assesses his experience of playing the iconic function of Hamlet. The phrase "I was doing Hamlet in the off-season" suggests that Shanks was taken part in this function during a duration when he was not committed to other jobs, generally known as the "off-season" in the entertainment industry. This is a time stars often use to take on projects that may be more speculative or personally satisfying.
He mentions having "a specific idea in my mind about what I wanted that character to look like", indicating a strong personal vision for his portrayal of Hamlet. This suggests that Shanks wished to bring a special analysis to the function, maybe setting his Hamlet apart from traditional variations. Such a vision could include physical appearance, behavior, outfit options, or the psychological nuances of the character, suggesting his deep participation and imaginative input in the character advancement process.
The latter part of the quote, "because it's going to lead into the next year, I knew that it was going to have to be established somewhere in the program", suggests a continuity or development in his representation. This could indicate that the analysis he was establishing throughout the off-season was planned to rollover into subsequent performances or tasks. Developing his analysis "somewhere in the program" may refer to setting a precedent or making artistic choices early on that would guide future work with the character in the next year.
Overall, Shanks' words expose his dedication to the craft of acting and to bringing a thoughtful, maybe even innovative, perspective to the function of Hamlet. He highlights the significance of having a clear vision and the insight to think about how a character's representation can evolve and resonate over time.
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