Stella Adler Labelling Technique

Not every acting technique is right for everyone - it depends on how far down the line one is in there
career or what thought processes work with your personality. This technique works for me as I am
able to extract the specific branches of anger and frustration that both Tybalt and Capulet reveal in
Act 3 Scene 1. More specifically, Tybalt isn’t purposefully irritating Capulet; he just believes he is
doing the right thing. Capulet lambasts Tybalt for his hot-headed approach of attacking Romeo as it
is isn’t exactly the most appropriate setting or time for violence.

Act 1 Scene 5 - party scene

Tybalt and Capulet dialogue

TYBALT
Why is that Montague here?
Do they have no honour?
If they want to party, I’ll show them a good time.

(Pulls knife out, heads towards ROMEO)

CAPULET
(Apprehends TYBALT) Thou know’st not what you are doing.

TYBALT
Uncle/Aunty, this is the child of your greatest enemy Who has insulted our honour by turning up
here.

CAPULET
Young Romeo is it?

TYBALT
Yeah that’s them.

CAPULET
Content thee.
I would not for the wealth of all the town, here in my house do them disparagement. Therefore, be
patient.
Take no note of them.
It is my will.

TYBALT
I won’t endure them.

CAPULET
They shall be endured.
Am I the master here or you?
You’ll not endure them?
God amend my soul.
Be quiet or – More light, more light! – For shame! I’ll make you quiet. – What, cheerly, my hearts!

TYBALT
Listen to me!
CAPULET
You’ll make a mutiny among my guests. This trick may chance to scathe you.

TYBALT
Whatever. I’ll leave for now, but that Montague won’t get away with this.

(TYBALT gestures into ROMEO’S face before exiting)

None of my lines I say at a regular tone. Nothing is monotone and casual.

Everything is almost always a tease- I am prying for a reaction.

Especially upon first line. My volume is quite high. Normally when I begin a sentence. I need that
attention.

An elevated use of volume on stage entry, fits quite well with my physically.

Beforehand I wanted to be assertive and be perceived as ‘doing the right thing’ - and now I have
been embarrassed by Capulet. So I ‘reluctantly’ hand over the knife.