We all know that January is a time of new beginnings, a point to reflect on the past and act upon resolutions for a better future. It could even be said that January is a prologue for the year to come: a month in which to establish the patterns — or set the scene! — for what will happen next.
In Shakespeare’s world, one of the most compelling prologues features in Romeo and Juliet. (Listen to it above.) Spoken by a Chorus, the prologue introduces the audience to the tale of these “star-cross’d lovers” whose deaths end the feud between their families. The words give a sense of fate to the scenes that follow, revealing at the very start the tragic end that awaits the characters. In this way, the romance of the play is already tempered with sadness.
Beyond its significance to the play itself, however, the prologue also provides a solid “starter monologue” for young actors who might feel less confident. Rather than having to bring a character to life or engage in a scene with other children, the more hesitant performer can concentrate on simply outlining the story of Romeo and Juliet. The language is powerful but not intimidating, and the tone can be neutral or as dramatic as the child can manage. In this variation on the role of the Narrator, any child could feel comfortable and in control of the material, establishing a foundation for tackling more complex roles and monologues.
The prologue is, after all, only a place to begin!