Shakespearean Scholar Visits St. Bernard’s
Since the beginning of the school year the boys in grade VIII have been working toward their performance of The Tempest, which is now only a few weeks away. The boys have been rehearsing with their director (and Old Boy), Bradford Cover ’81, after school and over weekends. They have been studying Shakespeare’s The Tempest in their English classes. Earlier this month, eighth graders also had the chance to hear from a Shakespearean scholar who visited St. Bernard’s from Dartmouth College. Professor Brett Gamboa began his career as a lyricist, writing songs for live music. He pursued a degree in poetry and focused on Shakespeare’s texts, which combine lyricism with performance, two things he has always loved. While at St. B’s, he spoke with the boys about The Tempest, Shakespeare, and responded to several scenes that the boys performed for him.
Professor Gamboa spoke to the boys about the importance of understanding the texts they are performing. He urged the boys to make Shakespeare’s words their own, to know the text so well that they could conjure up their lines in the moment and make them seem natural. He suggested that if boys didn’t know the meaning of a word in one of their lines they should look it up. He stressed how important it is for Shakespearean actors to lead with understanding. He also urged the boys to listen to what is happening on stage. This will help create an illusion of spontaneity, which is an important building block of strong theater.
He also focused on the importance of breath. He encouraged the boys to slow down when they spoke and to think about where to take breaths within each line. He believes proper breathing will not only give strength to their voices, but will also give them a tool for phrasing and pacing.
When asked for tips about learning lines, Professor Gamboa suggested that boys learn five lines really well and then build upon that strong base. He said that learning lines is similar to training and exercising a muscle. He also suggested that the boys read their lines backwards. He believes that the more ways the boys look at their lines the better.
Bradford Cover, the director of The Tempest, was pleased that Professor Gamboa reinforced themes that have been highlighted during rehearsals. Breath control, understanding what thoughts are being expressed, and making it sound as though real people are talking have been at the heart of their work. In rehearsals they have also focused on movement, humor, and are incorporating live, original music into the performance since there are many talented musicians in the eighth grade.
We are very much looking forward to seeing grade VIII’s performance of The Tempest. We extend our thanks to Professor Gamboa for taking the time to visit and to Bradford Cover for his wonderful guidance and direction.
