As I’m sure you’re aware, imagination is an actor’s most useful tool; however, this resource must be fine-tuned according to the time period in which the scene is set. Historical imagination refers to using your imagination to transport your back hundreds, if not thousands, of years into a world that is so different and strange from your current world that modern ways of thinking just won’t due. I have worked on several historical, or period, pieces and have cultivated several tips that may help you when developing your historical imagination.
Study the Culture
Historically, culture has shifted throughout the centuries, and if you’re going to be portraying a character within a period piece, you must understand the culture in which your character lives in. For example, your character is based on a 15th century lord in England. In order to truly portray this character, you must do your research on the culture of this time period. What were the primary belief systems during this time? How did lords carry themselves in public? What comes along with this title? What type of entertainment would a lord in the 15th century enjoy? Discovering this information will require some research. Visit your local library or scour the internet for answers.
By obtaining these answers, it will help you when using your imagination on set or on the stage. You will be able to fully imagine yourself in that culture, what the people were like and what is expected of your character.
Time Period Portraits or Photographs
While the wardrobe department for the film or stage play will create the clothing and makeup for the production; however, it is your job to understand how people within this time period wore their clothes. I’m not talking about the size or shape of the clothing, but how their clothing shaped who they are as a person. Pictures and photographs can also aid in your physical environment imagination.
It’s hard to imagine life 100 years ago. What the streets looked like, what towns were, what a tavern in New York City was like in 1910; however, through the use of visual aids you can create a fully formed imaginative world within the production.