Monique Holt explains how she translates Shakespeare into ASL for her role of Duchess of York in Richard III.
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TRANSCRIPT
So the language often - people don't realize we need more time hearing actors will read it and speak the words and feel it in.
Yeah, you know, that takes more time to figure out how to speak it appropriately with the parameters that it's - that they use for the beats.
But what is the meaning behind what they're saying?
And then figuring out the hand shapes that I'm using to show to mimic that.
You know, it's very complicated.
It's hard to explain to.
For example, when I was speaking with Richard III, I was explaining my terrible experience of when he was born as a baby.
So one hand shape I chose to use was this for struggle, pain.
And then finally, you were born so use that same hand shape to morph that rhythm.
And it's choreography for my signs.
And that's not only for American Sign Language because ASL - it doesn't have that.
They just go all over the place.
But for this you have to be thoughtful.
And the choreography of your hands, you make sure that it has that same efficient, meaningful, authentic movement that goes with the flow.