There’s a crowdsourced full-length Shakespearean translation of Pulp Fiction called Bard Fiction, and it’s quite good.
JULIUS
Forsooth, did I thy concentration break?
Continue, please! Thou did, methinks, now speak
Of our ill will. But now thy tongue is still?
Allow me, then, to offer a retort.
Describe to me Marsellus Wallace, pray.
BRITTANUS
What?
JULIUS
In which far land did thou first come to be?
BRITTANUS
What?
JULIUS
Thou sayest thou dost hail from distant What!
I know but naught of thy strange country What.
Which language speak they in the land of What?
BRITTANUS
What?
JULIUS
English, base knave, dost thou speak it?
BRITTANUS
Aye!
JULIUS
Then my words are not Greek to thy dull ears.
BRITTANUS
Nay!
JULIUS
Then hearken to my words and answer them!
Describe to me Marsellus Wallace!
BRITTANUS
What?
JULIUS
(Holds his blade pointed at Brittanus’ eye)
Speak “What” again! Thou cur, cry “What” again!
I dare thee utter “What” again but once!
I dare thee twice and spit upon thy name!
Now, paint for me a portraiture in words,
If thou hast any in thy head but “What”,
Of Marsellus Wallace!
They probably use the memory palace technique. Each line can be thought of as a picture that reminds them of the line. Then you place that picture inside a fake palace or museum in your mind. Then you take a tour of the museum or palace in your head and you remember the lines. The technique is also used to remember large numbers like pi.
There’s a crowdsourced full-length Shakespearean translation of Pulp Fiction called Bard Fiction, and it’s quite good.
JULIUS
Forsooth, did I thy concentration break? Continue, please! Thou did, methinks, now speak Of our ill will. But now thy tongue is still? Allow me, then, to offer a retort. Describe to me Marsellus Wallace, pray.
BRITTANUS
What?
JULIUS
In which far land did thou first come to be?
BRITTANUS
What?
JULIUS
Thou sayest thou dost hail from distant What! I know but naught of thy strange country What. Which language speak they in the land of What?
BRITTANUS
What?
JULIUS
English, base knave, dost thou speak it?
BRITTANUS
Aye!
JULIUS Then my words are not Greek to thy dull ears.
BRITTANUS Nay!
JULIUS Then hearken to my words and answer them! Describe to me Marsellus Wallace!
BRITTANUS What?
JULIUS (Holds his blade pointed at Brittanus’ eye) Speak “What” again! Thou cur, cry “What” again! I dare thee utter “What” again but once! I dare thee twice and spit upon thy name! Now, paint for me a portraiture in words, If thou hast any in thy head but “What”, Of Marsellus Wallace!
People have actually put it on stage too, it works.
Excerpt from the play: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dfLkcTAR80
Oh god! And this comment:
“Dids’t thou see a sign upon my domicile stating “Dead Moor Storage?””
Since I posted this I have legit been searching for a wallet that says ‘Rascally Knave’, I need that in my life.
😂🙏
It really amazes me how theater actors are able to memorize an entire play.
They probably use the memory palace technique. Each line can be thought of as a picture that reminds them of the line. Then you place that picture inside a fake palace or museum in your mind. Then you take a tour of the museum or palace in your head and you remember the lines. The technique is also used to remember large numbers like pi.
Do you have a link to the full script? I can’t seem to find it
I think the creators will share the full script in the context of putting on a production.
I like how Julius’ lines fit the pentameter, but Brittanus’ “What?” shits right past it.
Does Brittanus speak in prose like Dogberry I wonder.