This is a selection of forty great speeches drawn from landmark plays stretching from Greek and Roman theatre right through to those of the nineteenth century. In this wide-ranging collection Chrys Salt has brought together a truly international compendium with generous selections from French, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian and Scandinavian theatre. Classic speeches sit alongside lesser-known gems to guarantee a rich and rewarding collection for the actor. Unique in providing insightful commentary and guidance on every speech, this is an invaluable resource for acting classes, competitions, auditions and rehearsals. Monologues of all types - both serious and comic, and suitable for actors of all ages - provide a dynamic challenge for all practitioners: the student, the amateur and professional. A fuller appreciation of each speech is enhanced by the editor's introduction and commentaries, which set the plays and individual speeches in their dramatic and performance contexts. Praise for Chrys Salt's MAKE ACTING WORK: "A really useful book for every actor to own" Prunella Scales; "This book should be part of every resourceful actor's armoury" Annette Badland