Senior Blog correspondent on-the-scene Jingwen Zhu interviewed competitors and PVS finalists in the English Speaking Union’s Shakespeare Monologue Competition: Junior Andrew Olson and Sophomore Adam McDonald. Nearly every upper school student participates in this school-wide competition, and these talented speakers were selected by ESU judges as school representatives last January. In early March, Andrew and Adam, accompanied by the PVS Drama Department, competed at Shadow Hills High School for the spot at the national competition in New York’s Lincoln Center. Adam qualified for the valley-wide finals and took home the second place position with a prize of $300. Listen to the recorded transcript above.
Jing: So GOOD MORNING, Andrew Olson (trying very hard not to laugh).
Andrew: Good morning!
Jing: We know that you and Adam got into the Shakespeare Competition, ( being serious) and if you win, you will go compete in New York, correct?
Andrew: Yes.
Jing: What monologue are you doing?
Andrew: I am performing King Henry from the play Henry V.
Jing: Would you like to tell us what the monologue is talking about?
Andrew: Yes, sure. So, in the monologue, King Henry is addressing the army, because France is attacking England. He has to lead the army and defend against them. He is giving this speech about how… if… if we win this battle we will win eternal glory for our families.
Jing: I see. The monologue is very strong and exciting. I am curious, why did you choose this monologue then? Do you have any similarities between you and this character?
Andrew: Yes. I picked it because it is a fun monologue to do, so I thought it would be an interesting experience and … (thinking) a unique way to act… Yes. (laughing)
Jing: So you did it for your interest. (thinking) Also, I heard that in the competition you have to pick a sonnet along with your monologue.
Andrew: Yes, we do. I am doing Sonnet … 29, I believe.
Jing: Okay. I have a question. Did you choose a sonnet that relates to your monologue…?
Andrew: No.
Jing: So you just picked it randomly?
Andrew: This sonnet is completely opposite to my monologue. It’s … to show the judges my range….
Jing: Okay.
Andrew: You know, to show them I have a wide range of my acting ability. Because lots of the other actors can just shout… all they do is scream the words to the judges. They don’t know how to be a soft lover speaking his love, like I do in my sonnet. (both laughing…)
Jing: Yes. You are trying to show judges the different sides of you… that you can be a powerful king and a spoony lover at the same time.
Andrew: Indeed.
Jing: I know you are in school drama class; you’ve had experience acting before. How do you feel right now? Are you nervous?
Andrew: Actually, I am really nervous, even though I have been on the stage many times. At the school competition I was practicing my monologue till the last minutes. So I am very happy that…
Jing: You got moved to the next level?
Andrew: Yes, I am. I am prepared though… Nervous, but well prepared…
Jing: Thank you so much for your time. Good luck in the Shakespeare Competition. Relax and have fun!!
Andrew: I will, thank you!
* * * * * * * * * *
Jing: Good morning! Mr. MacDonald!! (smiling)
Adam: Good morning! (waving…)
Jing: I would like to ask you some questions about the coming Shakespeare Competition.
Adam: Yes, sure.
Jing: How do you feel about it?
Adam: Uh… A little bit nervous, but not a big deal!
Jing: Nice! What monologue are you doing?
Adam: I am playing Aaron from Titus Andronicus.
Jing: Okay. would you like to tell us a little about it?
Adam: The story of the monologue…uh…is basically…this character is set up to be executed, and he is giving one final speech to the person executing him, telling him that for all of the horrible things he has done, for all of the crimes he’s committed, he doesn’t regret a single moment of it.
Jing: I see. I heard that you have been doing drama for many years and…
Adam: Yes, I took a break last year…
Jing: And you are a great actor. One thing I want to know is how do drama people choose their characters? Do you first think about those characters who share the same personality as you?
Adam: Uh…for me, I sometimes do. But most of the time I just go choose whatever character I want and have fun with it.
Jing: Okay. I see. You are saying that you can pretty much act any one, it doesn’t have to be a specific kind of character.
Adam: Yes.
Jing: How about your character Aaron in the monologue?
Adam: I can’t say that I relate to it that much, since I am not a psychopathic murderer. But…
Random People: Yes, you are!!
Jing: !! (laughing)
Adam: Thanks, but…
Random people: You’re welcome!
Adam: But…overall it is a very fun part, and I can see …uh, the audience enjoys the role.
Jing: I am sure. Everyone should like it.
Adam: Thank you!
Jing: So what sonnet are you doing along with your monologue?
Adam: I am doing Sonnet #81, which I enjoy doing it a lot also.
Jing: I see. This time, Andrew Olson and you both got into the Shakespeare Competition, and I remember both of you did an amazing job in the play 1776. He is very nervous. As a friend, do you want to say something to him?
Adam: Uh…. Calm down Andrew and enjoy the competition.
Jing: Thank you and good luck!
Leave a Reply