This tool focuses on the rhetorical function of ‘O’ in Shakespeare’s plays as an Emotional Release Valve, allowing learners to engage in play around ‘O’ and its purpose.
Begin by informing learners that a capital O in one of Shakespeare’s plays should be viewed as an Emotional Release Valve.
When a learner has an ‘O’ in their text, this is an indication that the character is emotionally overwhelmed. The ‘O’ serves as a way for the character to channel the emotion which they cannot express in words.
To engage practically with this, ask learners to stand in a circle. Instruct them to throw the ‘O’ sound around the circle to each other, using their full body to throw it and engaging imaginatively, physically, and vocally with the warm-up. When throwing the O, learners must use the sound to express emotional extremes, and no two ‘O’s should sound the same.
Following the Warm-Up, ask learners to return to their texts and perform the scene. When they reach an ‘O’ they must channel the appropriate emotion for the scene through their delivery.
Tray Two : Living The Text