Rosalind, disguised as the youth Ganymede, attempts to convince Orlando that love is a treatable mental illness. She proposes a complex game where Orlando must woo 'him' as if he were his beloved Rosalind, claiming this role-play will eventually cure his heartache.
ROSALIND: Love is merely a madness, and, I tell you, deserves as well a dark house and a whip as madmen do; and the reason why they are not so punished and cured is that the lunacy is so ordinary that the whippers are in love too. Yet I profess curing it by counsel.
ORLANDO: Did you ever cure any so?
ROSALIND: Yes, one, and in this manner. He was to imagine…
Format: Duologue · Genre: Comedy · Source: As You Like It · Author: William Shakespeare · Characters: Rosalind, Orlando
This comedic duologue, "Love is a Madness," features Rosalind, cleverly disguised as Ganymede, engaging with Orlando in a witty and playful philosophical discussion about the nature of love. Through her disguise, Rosalind attempts to "cure" Orlando of his infatuation with her (unbeknownst to him) by proposing a complex and theatrical courtship game. The scene explores themes of love, madness, and gender-bending with a sharp, classical wit that remains engaging for contemporary audiences.
Rosalind, as Ganymede, is a whirlwind of intelligence, confidence, and sly manipulation. She holds all the cards in this interaction, using her disguise to both observe Orlando's true affections and subtly guide his emotional journey. Orlando, while ardent in his love, is somewhat naive and susceptible to Rosalind's elaborate scheme, making him the perfect foil for her spirited performance. This scene requires both actors to embrace the classical language while grounding their performances in relatable human emotions and intentions.
This duologue is an excellent choice for drama school auditions, agent showcases, and competitions due to its dynamic interplay and the opportunity for both actors to display a wide range of emotions and classical text proficiency. The scene's comedic nature allows for playful interpretation and demonstrates an actor's ability to handle wit and complex language. Its relatively short duration makes it ideal for showcasing talent succinctly and effectively.
This scene is best suited for actors in the Young Adult age range who embody the Ingenue, Romantic Lead, or Charming casting types. It's particularly strong for a Leading Lady who can command attention with nuanced classical delivery and a sophisticated approach to comedy. Actors comfortable with classical text and who enjoy exploring themes of disguise and flirtation will find this piece to be a rewarding challenge.
When tackling "Love is a Madness," focus on the specific intentions behind each line, even within the stylized language. Rosalind's performance as Ganymede should have a clear objective: to both test and deepen Orlando's love while maintaining her disguise. For Orlando, convey his earnestness and perhaps a hint of confusion or amusement at Ganymede's unconventional advice. Embrace the rhythmic nature of Shakespeare's verse, allowing it to guide your delivery while ensuring emotional clarity and genuine connection with your scene partner.