Drama Flashcards
(28 cards)
Physical theatre-Emphasis on…
Emphasis on movement rather than dialogue.
Physical theatre-What is at the centre of the storytelling?
The human body.
Other Key physical theatre ideas
It’s often abstract in style, using movement in a stylised and representational way.
With the expression of ideas choreographed through movement.
Physical theatre-Gestures
An action that may be something small but can have emotional impact or it can be a particular movement that defines a character
Physical theatre-How to show Status
May be executed by use of levels or by distance or strength of contact.
Physical theatre-Proximity
How close or far you are from your co-performers can be a source of very powerful impact.
Physical theatre-Stance
Associated with strength as the body could radiate assertion and authority or weakness by stance, incorporating posture.
Physical theatre- Harshness and tenderness
Cause the gestures and bigger movements come together to express the emotions of the piece
Physical theatre-Movement
Movement and no movement can both have an effect on things such as the flow.
Physical theatre-Motif
A repeated movement pattern which has meaning or reminds us of the central theme.
What is mime?
Mime is a theatrical technique of suggesting action, character, or emotion without words, using only gesture, expression, and movement.
Mime artist
Someone who performs mime.
Mimicry
The skill of imitating someone or something.
Where does Pantomime originate from?
Pantomime is often believed to be British but it actually originates from Italy.
Commedia dell’arte
A style of Italian street theatre that originated in the 16th Century. It was famous for its use of stock characters, comedy and exaggeration.
Pantomime often contains the character roles of…
The Evil Villain, The Damsel in Distress, The Hero, The Principal/Protagonist (often a male character played by a woman), The Pantomime Dame (often a female character played by a man)
Key Conventions in pantomime
Comedy, including verbal jokes and physical slapstick comedy. Use of Direct Address, where the characters speak to the audience. Audience Participation (booing, cheering or repeating lines like ‘It’s behind you!’.) .Lavish costumes and scenery. Singing and dancing, familiar songs are used that the audience can sing along to. Special effects, such as confetti, smoke, crashes and flashes of light. A simple and familiar plot, often using well known fairy tales. Specific entrances and exits, the evil characters will always use stage left because left is traditionally associated with the devil.
Dramatic Tension
The anticipation or anxiety that builds within an audience, creating a sense of excitement and engagement with a play.
The 4 main components of dramatic tension
Pacing,Conflict,Uncertainty,Emotional Investment
10 things to be careful of when creating dramatic tension
Should have the opportunity to build in the drama. If it builds too slowly, it will die in the middle of a scene. If it builds too quickly, it may appear ineffective or artificial. Pace now becomes a key factor in the development of tension. It can occur when performers raise their voice or start shouting. It can also occur with stillness and silence in the drama. It is often created by the unknown. It can be caused by the audience following where characters look on or off stage. It can be created via heavy use of emotion/s with and between characters. Blocking (the positioning of actors) can also create tension.
Jacques Lecoq’s 7 states of tension
Exhausted or catatonic. The Jellyfish …
Laid back – the “Californian”
Neutral or the “Economic”
Alert or Curious.
Suspense or the Reactive.
Passionate.
Tragic.
Things to ask about Staging
How is it staged? What is on the stage? How is it used?
Things to ask about Proxemics
How do the actors interact with each other/the audience?
Things to ask about Acting
How do the actors communicate their characters, physically, vocally?
