Streetcar LTI Flashcards
(26 cards)
First scene jazz music
Aids in setting location (New Orleans) and tone of the play
When Blanche first enters music plays
This makes her entrance as a character feel significant to the audience and therefore draws attention to her
Props: big hefty suitcase Blanche brings on stage in her first appearance
This cause her gait and movement to be slightly sluggish and slow which emphasises the emotional baggage of her character and how she doesn’t fit into the setting of New Orleans
Lighting: singular light bulbs used as lighting attached to rigging
Creates an overly exposed atmosphere on the stage= links nicely to episode 4 maternal in machinal
Lighting and sound: first scene change on Blanches line “I’m about to be sick”
Lighting- sudden change from normal white lights to then a deep blue wash covering the entirety of the stage
Sound- booming drum, bass, guitar rock-like sound
Both shocks audience and the blue light introduces water motif
Lighting: use of gauze to separate kitchen area from bedroom
Emphasises the vulnerability of Blanche’s character and also introduces claustrophobic nature of the play
Acting: Stanley’s and Blanches levels when Stanley finds Alan grey letters
Blanche is kneeling before Stanley demonstrates Stanley’s domineering nature that he possess over Blanche in this moment
Sound: heavy rock music over the first poker scene
Creates a dangerous and toxic masculine energy to the start of the scene
Sound: abrupt cut off from rock music in poker scene
Not only throws audience off slightly and draws attention to their current conversation, but also creates a tense atmosphere to the scene
Sound: poker match scene, Blanche plays classical music from the radio to dance with Mitch
Creates humour within the audience but also the melodic tune exaggerated the violence from stanley when the radio and song was cut short when he smashed it in a fit of rage
Sound and lighting: Blanche sat alone on stage with thunder sound effects and flashing lights
Demonstrates the brewing instability of Blanches mental health and also foreshadows the perverse action of kissing the young boy that she is about to commit
Lighting: Blanche is talking about Alan Grey, use of shadow
Lighting shines down from a birds eye view which in turn creates shadows with the rigging that darkens Blanches face to create a somber tone to the scene. Also candle on stage is reminiscent of a romantic love affair
Sound: Alan Grey sound of waves and gun shot
Metaphorically the sea imagery created represents her growing hysteria (hydrotherapy) but also death as she later explains she is going to die at sea
Sound: Blanches birthday party uses circus-like love music
Highlights the growing hysteria and detachment from reality that Blanche is experiencing
Costume: Blanches dark pink frilly dress juxtaposes Stanley’s wife beater and tan trousers
This dress demonstrates her extravagant personality whilst also compared to the other characters more simple styles, ensures she stands out and is therefore vulnerable despite her decadence
Staging: the rape scene starts off with the stage completely messy- the stage gets progressively messier
Highlights how Blanches internal struggles are now being projected on the stage around her
Costume: rape scene- Blanches dramatic light purple ball gown
Acts as a shield against Stanley whilst also attempting to uphold her perception of herself. The actor of Stanley uses the tulle as a veil for when he is raping her
Sound: final scene uses an echo effect on the nurses voice
Exaggerates the mental deterioration that Blanche is experiencing
Actor for Stella
Vanessa Kirby
Actor for Blanche
Gillian Anderson
Actor for Stanley
Ben Foster
Director
Benedict Andrews
Costume designer
Victoria Behr
Set designer
Magda Willi
