This paper describes practice-based research using an interactive gestural film game To be or not to be, to study the relationship between performed gestures and emotional response. The work is the result of a collaboration between an intermedia artist (first author), and a programmer / designer. The content of the interactive film game is based on lines from Act 3 scene i from Shakespeare's play Hamlet. Attention is given first to the original design method based on gestural expression in theatre using the key techniques of text, rehearsal and performance. A primary design goal was to construct an interface where coherent and continuous gestural and emotional interaction occurred. This is followed by observation and evaluation of audience / user interaction with the work (collaboration with second author) establishing research criteria to evaluate performed gestures and emotional responses of the audience.