"Our job is to make manifest the story, to be it. In a sense, the theatre is such a big star itself, bigger than any Shakespearean actor I could hire, that we should take the opportunity to fill it with voice and verse and movement, not interpretation"
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Mark Rylance's quote provides profound insight into the viewpoint and craft of theatre. He recommends that the essence of theatre transcends private efficiencies or the interpretation of any single actor, no matter how skilled. The crucial phrase, "to make manifest the story, to be it", indicates a focus on credibility and immersion. Rylance thinks that stars should embody the story instead of merely present their personal interpretations. This perspective stresses the collaborative and holistic nature of theatre, where the story itself is the vital star, and the entertainers are vessels through which it comes to life.
Rylance refers to theatre as "such a huge star itself", highlighting the power and magnitude of the theatrical experience. Unlike movie, which often raises individual stars to celeb status, theatre is represented as an ensemble of voice, verse, and movement, producing a living, breathing entity bigger than any of its parts. This recommends that the area, the atmosphere, and the communal experience of theatre collectively possess a magical quality that can raise the narrative beyond private contributions.
Moreover, Rylance supporters for filling the theatre "with voice and verse and movement", activities that demand a physical and singing presence going beyond simple spoken lines or personal interpretation. This speaks with the multi-dimensional nature of live theatre, where storytelling is enhanced by the vibrant interaction of the performers with each other and the audience. It motivates a more organic and spontaneous portrayal, in which the physicality and vocality bring the story to life in genuine time, developing an immersive experience for the audience.
Ultimately, Rylance's declaration works as a call to prioritize the raw, shared human experience that theatre uses over specific accolades or the imposed readings by performers. It champs a return to the roots of storytelling, where the cumulative ensemble works in unity to serve the story, making it manifest with respect and vigor.
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