"We have cut the text, but what remains are Shakespeare's words"

Edward Hall's quote, "We have actually cut the text, but what remains are Shakespeare's words", discuss the fragile balance between adjustment and conservation in the realm of Shakespearean theater. At its core, it acknowledges the act of editing or abridging Shakespeare's works while maintaining the integrity and authenticity of his language. This process of abbreviation is typically required to match modern-day audiences' different attention periods, choices, or particular theatrical contexts.

The phrase "We have actually cut the text" indicates a conscious choice to get rid of parts of Shakespeare's original scripts. This may be done for different factors: to reduce the length of an efficiency, to stress particular styles, or to make the language more accessible to modern audiences. Every cut is a choice that weighs the value of specific passages versus the general vision of the production.

Yet, the affirmation "but what remains are Shakespeare's words" highlights a commitment to maintaining the essence of Shakespeare's writing. It suggests that, even with omissions, the heart of Shakespeare's work remains undamaged, since the words that are retained continue to convey the appeal, intricacy, and emotional depth intrinsic in his writing. Hall's declaration may ensure perfectionists and fanatics that the cuts made are sensible, maintaining the integrity of the original product while still delivering an authentic Shakespearean experience.

Implicit in Hall's statement is an understanding of the timeless quality of Shakespeare's language. His words bring universal themes and psychological truths that transcend the specificities of any single play or period. The retention of these words guarantees that audiences, whether seasoned Shakespeare veterans or newcomers, still come across the effective rhythms, elaborate wordplay, and extensive insights that define Shakespeare's oeuvre.

In a more comprehensive sense, Hall's quote highlights the role of adjustment in keeping classical works alive and pertinent. Through mindful modifying, directors can craft productions that speak to today's audiences while honoring the past, guaranteeing that Shakespeare's voice continues to resonate through the ages.