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How Shakespeare Furthers Personal Growth

The concept that "the bard heals" first caught my attention during my time as a teaching artist with the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company. I was hired to commute from Baltimore, Maryland, to Walter Reed Military Medical Center, where I assisted Jaclyn McLoughlin, a fellow educator and brilliant director. Her pioneering efforts were encapsulated in the 2015 article "Can Shakespeare Heal? One Director’s Quest to Help Treat PTSD" (The Daily Signal, Donnelly). McLoughlin's insight into the therapeutic potential of Shakespearean verse, particularly its impact on regulating physiological responses such as heart rate through breath control, sparked the development of programs in collaboration with Combat Stress in London and the USO in the United States. When I joined, these programs had been refined, inspiring not only the participating actors but also their audiences. Shakespearean performance, I learned, is accessible to anyone. 


Using Shakespeare as a therapeutic tool is a widespread practice. Programs worldwide utilize Shakespeare's texts to aid diverse populations, from military veterans grappling with PTSD to children with IDDs, as demonstrated by Kelly Hunter at OSU. Debating the historical efficacy of this practice may seem unnecessary, particularly given the pragmatic belief that the outcomes justify the methods. Understanding why and how this approach works, along with its potential applications, is what's important.


IAMBIC PENTAMETER AND THE HEARTBEAT 

The use of iambic pentameter, one of the many styles of poetic meter within Elizabethan drama, underscores its relevance to psychological benefits. Comprising of ten syllables arranged in five pairs of stressed and unstressed beats, iambic pentameter mimics the human heartbeat. Despite criticism from scholars like Derek Mong of the Kenyon Review, who argue against drawing a direct parallel between heartbeat and linguistic structure, a holistic perspective suggests its potential as a valuable therapeutic tool. 


Puran Bair, in "Living from the Heart: Heart Rhythm Meditation for Energy, Clarity, Peace, Joy, and Inner Power" (1998), discusses the meditative benefits of focusing on one's heartbeat. They say the following: 


“The practice of listening to your heartbeat makes you conscious of one of the key functions of your unconscious mind, and that brings about a working connection between your conscious and unconscious resources. 

“Your unconscious mind directs your heart to beat and adapts the heart's rhythm to your physical and emotional condition, usually without any conscious attention. When you are aware of your heartbeat you are witnessing directly a behavior of your unconscious. 

“Some of what was unconscious becomes conscious, and a doorway opens between your conscious and unconscious mind. Through this portal you can glimpse the power of your vast unconscious and begin to harness it to your purpose.” 

(Bair, 1998) 


This practice fosters awareness of the unconscious mind's influence on physiological rhythms, promoting a connection between conscious and unconscious resources. Philosophically, attentiveness to one's heartbeat enhances present-moment awareness, facilitating a sense of interconnectedness within the universe and reducing reactions to stressors. 


Theatre, particularly Shakespearean performance, amplifies this therapeutic potential by integrating spirituality and psychology. Jerry Jaffe contends in "Thoughts on Theatre: Spirituality in the Theatre" (2018) that art can generate feelings of transcendence and communal belonging, aspects crucial to therapeutic experiences. He says specifically “Art has the possibility of giving deep feelings of transcendence, of joy, of rapture, even of community — the sense of belonging to something larger than yourself.” (Jaffe, 2018) Engaging with iambic pentameter not only soothes akin to the womb's security but also encourages performers to transcend personal boundaries, participating in a larger creative endeavor. 


SHAKESPEARE AND HUMANITY 

Shakespeare's enduring appeal lies in his profound exploration of human nature. Karin Søvik notes the Renaissance's intellectual curiosity about human existence, which Shakespeare exemplifies.  

“Scholars, artists, and scientists took up the challenge of understanding man’s existence and the universe, based on empirical research. This intellectual movement – humanism – emphasized man's ability to decide and think for himself, and there was a strong belief in the intellectual capacity of the human mind.”  (Søvik, Shakespeare and the Renaissance, 2021) 

Shakespeare’s works delve into philosophical and theological inquiries, resonating across centuries for their insight into universal human experiences. This profound humanity renders Shakespeare an effective tool for emotional healing. 


Shakespeare's plays invite audiences to explore diverse perspectives on universal themes such as heartbreak, transformation, loss, and trauma. For instance, while a layperson may view "Henry V" solely as a war narrative, a military veteran might identify with the themes of camaraderie and leadership. Such interpretations foster growth not only within ensembles but also among audiences, encouraging empathy and reflection. Eric Minton wrote about such a parallel when helping the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration in the Department of Defense, which staged “Welcome Home! A Nation Honors our Vietnam Veterans and their Families” on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., May 11-13 of 2023. 


“Nevertheless, Vietnam veterans did become a true band of brothers and sisters, but not with any urging from the princes of government. The veterans forged that band on their own, through their efforts to build the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial and through their protests and political action against a government that largely ignored their psychological and medical needs. In their activism, Vietnam veterans learned that the only respect and understanding they could count on was among themselves.” (Minton, https://www.shakespeareances.com/, 2023). 


Minton clearly discusses exactly what Shakespeare intended, how the difficult aspects of humanity can be encapsulated within the text. Whether it's medieval soldiers talking about the leadership capabilities of Henry V, or American soldiers frustrated at Lyndon B Johnson, the audience is able to understand how that fear, frustration and pain can form into a lifelong brotherhood.

 

“YES, AND” IN THEATRE 

 The improvisational principle of "yes, and" extends Shakespeare's adaptability beyond traditional interpretations. While purists may favor Elizabethan settings, Shakespeare's public domain status allows for creative adaptations such as Wild West or modern-day settings. Such reinterpretations deepen our understanding of Shakespeare's humanistic themes, offering fresh insights into the human condition. 


Ensemble collaboration is integral to unlocking the developmental potential inherent in Shakespearean performance. While soliloquies showcase individual prowess, collective exploration fosters communal discoveries crucial to storytelling. However, in order for an ensemble to effectively build their own world out of the Bard’s text, it is paramount for every member to listen to the other and blend ideas accordingly. Embracing diverse viewpoints enriches our understanding of humanity and encourages personal growth, albeit sometimes through challenging conversations. 

Performing Shakespeare involves overcoming linguistic challenges, but the act of vocalizing his words, whether onstage or privately, fosters a profound connection. The ensemble process, with its collaborative decision-making, enhances developmental outcomes compared to unilateral directorial choices. Overcoming initial hesitations about Shakespeare's language can be transformative, empowering individuals and fostering a sense of collective achievement. 


Shakespeare's works are accessible to all and offer profound developmental opportunities. Whether through iambic pentameter's rhythmic therapy, exploration of universal human experiences, or innovative reinterpretations, Shakespeare remains a versatile tool for personal and communal growth. 

 

 
 
 

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