Brechtian techniques Flashcards
(14 cards)
Describe Song and Dance.
Breaking into song and dance in the middle of a scene.
Describe a Montage.
Short self contained scenes one after each other. The contrasts of each scene highlights the important issues with absolute clarity.
Describe verfremdungseffekt (v effect).
Distancing the audience from the events happening on stage.
Describe Breaking the Fourth wall.
Breaking character and interrupting the scene in order to speak out to the audience.
Describe Narration.
Someone speaking the events of the play to the audience either while they are happening or before they happen.
Describe Third person Narration.
An actor making a comment upon their character mid-scene.
Describe Placards.
The use of cards within a scene to either narrate, act as a prop within the play.
Describe Multi-roling
When an actor plays more than one character on stage. The differences between the characters can be seen through change in vocal and physical skills. Cross-sex casting is also used to amplify this.
Describe Split-role
Where more than one actor plays the same character. The actors may rotate characters mid-scene.
Describe Minimal set/ costume/ props
Props are kept very simple but representational.
Describe symbolic props.
When one item/ prop is used in many ways to be several different objects.
Describe Brechtian use of Lighting
Lighting was mainly kept very simple. However, Brecht wanted the use of a harsh white light as he believed that it would signify “illuminating the truth”. The audience will often see the production personnel on stage doing set change overs.
Describe Spass
Translates to Fun. Comedy as a way of engaging the audience. Way of breaking the tension, which would allow for the audience to stop following the characters emotional journey. Could be in the form of a comic song, slapstick or physical comedy or even a stand up routine. The audience would laugh and then question afterwards why they laughed.
Describe Gestus
A clear character gesture or movement used by the actor that captures a moment or attitude rather than delving into the emotion of a character. A gesture with a social comment- makes a comment about the type of person that the actor is supposed to represent.
