To Interpret Emotions Unknown

Some of the most important elements that made this interpretation of Hamlet so unique were the inmates' experiences. They used these to relate with the play which in turn, allowed them to make a unique interpretation of it. Like any actor, the inmates had to draw from their own emotions to portray those of the characters'. Since as a class we are making our own interpretation of the play, we will undergo the same process. Still, even if the process is the same, the results will be different. While playing those roles, the inmates had the advantage of experiences that might have been similar to those of the characters. These allowed them to show very accurate emotions when acting a role. Also, this unique array of experiences helped them see it differently. Whether it be a violent past or the harsh life they face in prison, these inmates could show the vast collection of emotions that characters like Hamlet have throughout the play. On the other hand, we are interpreting the same play but under very different conditions. Most of us live in a comfortable environment that will not allow us to experience such complicated situations. This made me wonder of the outcome of our own play. It cannot have the same impact as the prisoners’ because we have not experienced as much or the same things they have. Due to this I decided to look at the play differently, looking for other elements my pathos makes me tend to ignore. Even if I do not understand them, it will expand my point of view so that I know there is still something unknown and mysterious about the play. Similarly to how the word pain holds no meaning until one actually experiences it, this play will have no meaning (or a very different one) until one experiences enough to relate to it.