Analysis by Ian McKellen of a Macbeth speech. It is not the "music" of the verse but rather the "sense", its meaning that should be expressed. An actor should "think" rather than "act" the verse. In his own words: "If this workshop has done anything, I hope it scotched the ... wrong belief that Shakespeare’s verse is music and all you have to find out is the tune and everything will be all right. Rather, I believe that if you look after the sense, the sounds will look after themselves. "
One of the greatest things of 21st century is the ability to learn from other people's process. I really am not a big fan of celebrity worship. It just happens that the thoughts of more productive people are more readily accessible. It is not necessary that their thoughts are more valid. I always make a point to have not just understanding, but critical understanding of what surrounds me. So, even if it's McKellen, take it with a grain of salt and let it enhance your own understanding, rather than replace it.
The relevant excerpt from Shakespeare's Macbeth:
MACBETH
She should have died hereafter; There would have been a time for such a word. To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow, Creeps in this petty pace from day to day To the last syllable of recorded time, And all our yesterdays have lighted fools The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no more: it is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing.
Relevant excerpt from Extras on Sir Ian's Method ( I so much love Extras by the way, and although I gave up television about 6 years ago it is as if I've never left the good stuff behind wink-wink netflix wink-wink youtube ):