Authenticity vs. Artistic License

Portraying characters in period and historical pieces demands more than just memorising lines or donning period-appropriate costumes. It requires a fine balance between historical authenticity and artistic license—two forces that often pull in different directions but together create performances that are both believable and compelling.

Table of Contents

Understanding Historical Authenticity

Authenticity in acting refers to the accurate representation of the time, place, and culture of the piece being performed. For period and historical productions, this can involve:

Physicality — Adopting body language, gestures, and posture consistent with the era. A Victorian gentleman’s formal stance differs greatly from a medieval soldier’s rugged bearing.
Speech and Diction — Using era-specific vocabulary, intonation, and rhythm without alienating modern audiences.
Costume and Props — Wearing garments that match the historical period, both in cut and in the way they are worn, and using props in ways authentic to the time.
Social Etiquette — Understanding societal norms of the period, such as levels of formality, gender roles, and class distinctions.

A historically accurate performance deepens the audience’s immersion, allowing them to experience the story through the lens of the time it represents.

The Role of Artistic License

Artistic license is the creative freedom to adapt, modify, or stylise elements of history to serve the story, tone, or medium of the production. It can manifest in several ways:

Modernised Delivery — Simplifying archaic speech for clarity while retaining the flavour of the period.
Symbolic Choices — Altering costumes, settings, or gestures to reflect thematic intentions rather than literal history.
Compressed Timelines — Adjusting events for pacing or dramatic impact.
Emotional Emphasis — Heightening or reinterpreting a character’s motives to connect with contemporary values.

Artistic license can bridge the gap between the past and the present, ensuring that the performance resonates with today’s audience.

Finding the Balance

The tension between authenticity and artistic license is where skilled acting flourishes. A performance too rigidly tied to historical detail may feel academic or inaccessible, while one that strays too far risks losing credibility. The best actors and directors aim for:

Research-Driven Choices — Understanding the historical truth before deciding which parts to adapt.
Story-First Perspective — Serving the narrative’s emotional and thematic needs without betraying the spirit of the period.
Collaborative Adaptation — Working with costume designers, dialect coaches, and historians to make informed yet flexible choices.

Practical Tips for Actors

Immerse Yourself in the Period — Read literature, watch documentaries, and observe artworks from the era.
Master the Physical World — Practise walking, sitting, eating, and using objects as someone from that time would.
Identify the Non-Negotiables — Recognise which historical details are essential for believability.
Adapt Mindfully — When modernising elements, ensure changes are intentional and aligned with the production’s vision.

The magic of period and historical acting lies in honouring the truth of the past while crafting a performance that speaks to the present. Authenticity roots the work in reality, while artistic license breathes life into it for modern audiences. Mastering this balance is the hallmark of a truly versatile and skilled actor.