"It's an intuitive exercise to do a Shakespeare play and to go through a Shakespeare play"

Mark Rylance's declaration, "It's an instinctive workout to do a Shakespeare play and to go through a Shakespeare play", recommends a profound connection between the actor and the text of Shakespeare that is more instinctual than intellectual. Using the word "intuitive" indicates that carrying out or studying Shakespeare requires a fundamental understanding or natural ability to comprehend the material's depth and subtleties, which might not be fully explained through analytical or academic techniques alone.

Shakespeare's works are abundant in language, feeling, and elaborate characterizations, which may explain why Rylance sees engaging with them as an "exercise". This term suggests an active, vibrant process needing practice and engagement, similar to physical or psychological training. Much like any workout, working with Shakespeare can improve an actor's skill set, including their capability to translate complicated language, embody diverse emotions, and connect with an audience on a visceral level.

Rylance's choice of the expression "to go through a Shakespeare play" indicates an immersive journey through the text. It highlights the concept of development, motion, and maybe even change that occurs as one looks into the complexities of a play. This process isn't passive; rather, it demands engagement and responsiveness, allowing both the star and the audience to experience the classic styles and feelings embedded in Shakespeare's works.

By linking the acts of carrying out and studying Shakespeare to intuition, Rylance highlights the ageless and universal nature of these plays. Regardless of their historic and linguistic range from contemporary audiences, Shakespeare's works resonate on an elemental level and have the power to go beyond cultural and temporal barriers. Rylance's perspective welcomes us to appreciate the natural way humans can connect with art, suggesting that understanding and expressing Shakespeare may be as much about feeling and instinct as it has to do with scholarly analysis.