Stage Directions in Hamlet (Grade 12 NSC Matric English HL): Revision Notes
Stage Directions in Hamlet
Understanding stage directions in Shakespeare's time
Stage directions are instructions that tell actors how to move, speak, and behave during a performance. In Shakespeare's era, these directions worked quite differently than they do today.
When Shakespeare wrote his plays, they were created specifically for live performance. The acting company that performed his works, known as the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later called the King's Men when James I became monarch), had a unique rehearsal system. Rather than receiving complete scripts, actors were given only their individual lines along with brief cues from other characters. This meant that the stage directions were minimal, leaving much of the interpretation up to the actors and directors themselves.
In modern published versions of Hamlet, you'll find stage directions clearly marked, either placed in brackets or printed in italics to distinguish them from the spoken dialogue.
Example from the gravedigger scene
Consider this example where the First Gravedigger is both digging and singing:
Stage Direction Example: Gravedigger Scene
- Gravedigger's line: "In you when I did love, did love, Me thought it was very sweet"
- Stage direction: "(HAMLET and HORATIO enter centre, cross to the side steps, and watch him, amused)"
This shows how stage directions guide the physical movement and positioning of characters whilst also indicating their emotional state.
Theatre stage positioning
Understanding stage directions requires knowledge of how theatre spaces are organised. The stage is divided into specific areas that help actors and directors communicate about positioning.
The basic stage layout includes:
- Upstage: The back area of the stage (furthest from audience)
- Downstage: The front area of the stage (closest to audience)
- Centre stage: The middle area
- Stage left/right: Areas to the left and right from the actor's perspective
- The apron: The curved front section extending towards the audience
This terminology creates a common language that allows everyone involved in a production to understand exactly where action should take place.
Working with cue scripts - Activity 7
What are cue scripts and why use them?
A cue script contains only one character's lines along with small portions of other characters' dialogue that serve as "cues" - signals for when to speak. This method reflects how actors actually worked in Shakespeare's time and offers several educational benefits.
Working with cue scripts helps you:
- Understand the historical context of Shakespearean rehearsals
- Develop careful listening skills
- Pay closer attention to character relationships and interactions
- Recognise that Shakespeare embedded most staging clues within the spoken text rather than explicit directions
Since Shakespeare's plays contain very few written stage directions, actors must discover staging possibilities by closely examining what characters say to each other.
Two-step approach to cue script work
Step one: Read through the script as a group and listen carefully for your cue lines. Focus on understanding the characters and their relationships with one another. Pay attention to whether the mood changes throughout the scene or remains consistent.
Step two: Consider where to add stage directions by asking practical questions. What physical actions do the characters perform at different points? Do they all enter the stage together, or do some arrive later? When do characters exit?
Cue script examples from Act 1, Scene 2
The activity focuses on a specific scene featuring five major characters: Laertes, Claudius, Polonius, Hamlet, and Gertrude. Each character's cue script shows only their lines plus brief cues from others.
Laertes' cue script
Laertes begins by addressing Claudius as "My dread lord" and requests permission to return to France. His speech demonstrates formal, respectful language as he explains his duty to Denmark and asks for the king's "gracious leave and pardon."
Character Analysis: Laertes
Laertes' language shows:
- Formal address: "My dread lord"
- Respectful tone throughout his request
- Clear explanation of his duties and intentions
- Courtly manner appropriate for speaking to the king
Claudius' cue script
Claudius responds to various characters throughout the scene. His lines show his role as king, giving permission to Laertes and later addressing Hamlet about mourning. Key phrases like "Have you your father's leave?" and "Take thy fair hour, Laertes" reveal his authoritative but considerate nature.
Polonius' cue script
Polonius speaks briefly, giving his consent for Laertes' departure with the line "He hath, my lord, wrung from me my slow leave." This shows the formal family dynamics and his somewhat reluctant agreement.
Hamlet's cue script
Hamlet's lines reveal his emotional state and relationship with his mother and stepfather. His famous response about his mourning clothes - "These but the trappings and the suits of woe" - shows his complex feelings about his father's death and his mother's quick remarriage.
Gertrude's cue script
Gertrude addresses Hamlet about his continued mourning, asking practical questions about his behaviour. Her lines suggest concern mixed with gentle criticism of his prolonged grief.
Exam tips for stage directions
Essential Exam Strategies:
- Look for implied stage directions within dialogue - Shakespeare often tells us what's happening through what characters say
- Consider character relationships - Stage directions should reflect the power dynamics and emotions between characters
- Think practically - Consider how many people can fit on stage and how they would realistically move
- Use the text as evidence - Support your staging choices with specific references to the dialogue
Key Points to Remember:
- Stage directions in Shakespeare's time were minimal, leaving interpretation to actors and directors
- The stage layout uses specific terminology (upstage, downstage, centre stage) that creates clear communication
- Cue scripts help you understand historical performance methods and develop closer reading skills
- Most staging clues in Shakespeare are embedded within the spoken dialogue rather than written as explicit directions
- Working with cue scripts from Act 1, Scene 2 reveals character relationships and court dynamics in the opening of Hamlet