Think I've Had That Conversation

BENVOLIO

And what assurance did the good Prince give?

ROMEO

That which no words can express.

BENVOLIO:
But did he say he loved thee?
ROMEO:
His eyes betrayed conspiratorial lips.
His eyes distinctly said he wanted me.

I'm working on this production of Romeo and Hamlet. Every night, as Guildenstern, I wait in the wings while Benvolio and Romeo have an exchange that includes the lines above. Every night I chuckle because I think I've had that conversation. Okay I KNOW I've had that conversation...on numerous occasions.

While speaking to Benvolio, Romeo confesses his strong attraction to Hamlet. Benvolio is all for Romeo's new found pleasure provider and as a good friend, wants to know if Hamlet feels the same way...in the play all ends well. At least at the end of Act I- the attraction IS mutual.

The reason I chuckle? I chuckle because in real life if you entered in the middle of a similar exchange between MinDog and Metch you'd probably hear something like this:

MinDog: But did he say he's interested?

Metch: I mean...he didn't SAY it but he LOOKED interested. He was acting like he was interested.

MinDog: But did he say it?

Metch: Well his body language said it.

MinDog: His body is not his mouth!


Metch: But body language provides information.

MinDog: No it does not. Not the information you want or think you have.

Metch: So what are you saying?

MinDog: I'm saying he didn't say he was interested so he probably isn't.

Metch: But I didn't ask in that specific language.

MinDog: You shouldn't have to ask in that specific language.

Metch: Why can't I rely on body language? Body language is real.

MinDog: He's a man. His body language is real with anybody who has what you have, if that's what he's in to.

Metch: So what are you saying?

MinDog: He's not interested. Move on.

Metch: Fine. I will move on...but his eyes, the way he looked at me, definitely said he has interest.

It's show time. I'll be in the wings again tonight...chuckle, chuckle.