Meaning: Kenneth Branagh, an accomplished actor and director, expresses in this quote the profound impact that performing Shakespeare has on actors. He refers to a mysterious and transformative process that occurs when actors engage with Shakespeare's language, suggesting that the language itself has a powerful effect on them. This quote encapsulates the unique and profound experience of bringing Shakespeare's works to life on stage, highlighting the deep connection between the language and the actors' emotional and intellectual engagement.

When actors immerse themselves in the process of performing Shakespeare, they often find themselves surprised by the way the language affects them. This surprise indicates a sense of discovery and revelation, as if the language has an independent power to move and influence the actors. The idea that the language "acts on them" implies a dynamic and reciprocal relationship between the actors and the text, with the language exerting a tangible force on the performers.

Shakespeare's language is renowned for its richness, complexity, and emotional depth. It encompasses a wide range of themes, emotions, and psychological insights, making it a formidable challenge and a source of inspiration for actors. The process of delving into Shakespeare's text involves not only understanding the meaning of the words but also tapping into the intricate layers of emotion, thought, and rhythm that the language embodies. As actors engage with this linguistic tapestry, they often experience a profound resonance and responsiveness that goes beyond mere recitation.

The quote also alludes to the idea that the continuous engagement with Shakespeare's language has a cumulative and transformative effect on actors. By immersing themselves in the ongoing exploration and performance of Shakespeare's plays, actors undergo a gradual and profound evolution in their understanding and embodiment of the language. This process is akin to a journey of discovery, where the language gradually reveals its nuances, subtleties, and transformative power to the actors.

Furthermore, the quote hints at the enigmatic nature of this process, suggesting that there is something mysterious and ineffable about the way in which Shakespeare's language impacts actors. This mystery underscores the depth and complexity of the relationship between the language and the actors, hinting at a profound and transcendent quality that transcends mere technical skill or intellectual understanding.

In conclusion, Kenneth Branagh's quote captures the transformative and mysterious nature of engaging with Shakespeare's language as an actor. It speaks to the profound impact that the language has on actors, the sense of discovery and surprise that arises from continuous engagement, and the enigmatic quality that permeates this process. Ultimately, it highlights the unique and powerful effect of Shakespeare's language on actors, underscoring the enduring resonance and timeless allure of his works.