Introduction to Play Analysis Elements of Theatre

Introduction to Play AnalysisIntroduction to Play Analysis

Elements of TheatreElements of Theatre

Why analyze?Why analyze?

While there is no specific formula for While there is no specific formula for analysis, through practice, certain analysis, through practice, certain methods have proved effective. methods have proved effective. Regardless of method, the purpose Regardless of method, the purpose remains the same: to consider how remains the same: to consider how the play should be performed. the play should be performed. Different interpretations will Different interpretations will therefore lead to different therefore lead to different performances. performances.

Using Analysis to Generate Using Analysis to Generate IdeasIdeas

What the play is is different than what the play What the play is is different than what the play could becould be

Analysis will lead you to discoveries about the Analysis will lead you to discoveries about the plot, conflicts, characters, themes and overall plot, conflicts, characters, themes and overall mood. mood.

While an analysis can help you begin your While an analysis can help you begin your production concept, aspects of the play and production concept, aspects of the play and performance may need to be altered to performance may need to be altered to ultimately complete your final production ultimately complete your final production concept.concept.

In other words, just because the servant refers to In other words, just because the servant refers to tables and chairs, does not mean you HAVE to tables and chairs, does not mean you HAVE to include these. Explore your options…include these. Explore your options…

Play Analysis for TheatrePlay Analysis for Theatre

First Reading – First ImpressionsFirst Reading – First ImpressionsSecond Reading – Gathering Second Reading – Gathering

InformationInformationThird Reading – InterpretationThird Reading – InterpretationFourth Reading - SynthesisFourth Reading - Synthesis

The First ReadingThe First Reading

First ImpressionsFirst Impressions• Read the play in one sittingRead the play in one sitting• Note Unfamiliar Words and PhrasesNote Unfamiliar Words and Phrases• Visualize the Stage Directions *Visualize the Stage Directions *• Gather Information from DialogueGather Information from Dialogue• Identify overall mood and toneIdentify overall mood and tone

Stage DirectionsStage Directions

Some schools of thought find the Some schools of thought find the stage directions too constricting and stage directions too constricting and opt to ignore them.opt to ignore them.

The Creative Directors often black The Creative Directors often black out stage directions, using only the out stage directions, using only the dialogue to give visualization of the dialogue to give visualization of the setting, characters and action.setting, characters and action.

It is often the playwright and It is often the playwright and copyright that influences such an copyright that influences such an approach.approach.

DialogueDialogue

SettingSettingCharacters’ PersonalitiesCharacters’ PersonalitiesCharacters’ ActionsCharacters’ ActionsRelationships between charactersRelationships between characters

Remembering AristotleRemembering Aristotle

PlotPlotCharacterCharacterLanguageLanguage IdeaIdeaMusicMusicSpectacleSpectacle

Using AristotleUsing Aristotle

PLOTPLOT• Divide the play into incidents Divide the play into incidents

(events)(events)• Identify the function of each incident Identify the function of each incident

(purpose)(purpose)• Identify the effect of the incident on Identify the effect of the incident on

the audiencethe audience


CHARACTERCHARACTER• Given informationGiven information• Four Clues to CharacterFour Clues to Character• Conclusions and InterpretationsConclusions and Interpretations


THOUGHTTHOUGHT• Ideas repeated in the playIdeas repeated in the play• Images repeated in the playImages repeated in the play• Conclusions and InterpretationConclusions and Interpretation


DICTIONDICTION• Words repeated in the playWords repeated in the play• Use of words/phrases/language in the Use of words/phrases/language in the

playplay


MUSICMUSIC• Sound EffectsSound Effects• Additional Music to Enhance MoodAdditional Music to Enhance Mood• Pre-Show, Post-Show, Curtain Call, Pre-Show, Post-Show, Curtain Call,

Intermission music and Intermission music and

justification thereofjustification thereof


SPECTACLESPECTACLE• List references to scenery and propsList references to scenery and props• List references to costumesList references to costumes• List references to lightingList references to lighting• Consider implications of analysis thus Consider implications of analysis thus

farfar• ““Art Gallery”Art Gallery”

Questions for a First ReadingQuestions for a First Reading1.1. What was your gut response to the play? Which characters seemed What was your gut response to the play? Which characters seemed

more interesting? Which least? What parts of the play really grabbed more interesting? Which least? What parts of the play really grabbed you? Which bored you?you? Which bored you?

2.2. What is the play’s story? Review the basic plot.What is the play’s story? Review the basic plot.3.3. What unfamiliar words and references did you encounter? Make a list for What unfamiliar words and references did you encounter? Make a list for

future research.future research.4.4. Make a diagram of the floor plan. Make a diagram of the floor plan. 5.5. Where and when is the play set? Where did you get the information? Where and when is the play set? Where did you get the information?

From stage directions? Dialogue?From stage directions? Dialogue?6.6. Who are the characters and what is their relationship to each other? Who are the characters and what is their relationship to each other?

How did you learn about them? From stage directions? From other How did you learn about them? From stage directions? From other characters’ descriptions of them? From the characters’ descriptions of characters’ descriptions of them? From the characters’ descriptions of themselves? From dialogue? From their treatment of others?themselves? From dialogue? From their treatment of others?

7.7. What was the overall mood of the play? Serious? Comic? Tragic?What was the overall mood of the play? Serious? Comic? Tragic?8.8. Did you find yourself identifying with a particular character of Did you find yourself identifying with a particular character of

characters? Lacking sympathy for others?characters? Lacking sympathy for others?

Final SynthesisFinal Synthesis

So, what is this play about?So, what is this play about?What purpose does this production What purpose does this production

have?have?What do you want to audience to leave What do you want to audience to leave

the theatre with?the theatre with?How will you accomplish this?How will you accomplish this?What are the potential obstacles that What are the potential obstacles that

could prevent you from reaching your could prevent you from reaching your goals?goals?

StagingStaging

ArenaArena ThrustThrust ProsceniumProscenium Alley StageAlley Stage

Flexible StageFlexible Stage Black Box theatreBlack Box theatre A Stage from HistoryA Stage from History

Costume DesignCostume Design• ColorColor• StyleStyle• Make-upMake-up• AccessoriesAccessories• ClothingClothing• MasksMasks

Set DesignSet Design

Realism and nonrealismRealism and nonrealism Painted drops and flatsPainted drops and flats Stage Architecture Stage Architecture Set piecesSet pieces CutoutsCutouts

Box SetsBox Sets CurtainsCurtains PropsProps LightsLights Levels Levels

Light DesignLight Design

• ColorColor• IntensityIntensity• FocusFocus• ShapeShape

PerformancePerformance

Action (Blocking)Action (Blocking)• MovementMovement• ActionsActions• GesturesGestures• ProximityProximity• LevelsLevels• Facial expressionFacial expression• ChoreographyChoreography• Eye contactEye contact

Dialogue (Delivery)Dialogue (Delivery)• Inflection (tone)Inflection (tone)• RhythmRhythm• PacePace• PausesPauses• Cues (when to talk)Cues (when to talk)

The Second ReadingThe Second Reading

Gathering InformationGathering Information• Given Circumstances – Stated and Given Circumstances – Stated and

ImpliedImplied

- The Backstory- The Backstory

- Setting- Setting

- Social Systems- Social Systems

- Cultural Norms- Cultural Norms

The BackstoryThe Backstory

Events and relationships that Events and relationships that precede the playprecede the play

Alluded to within the play’s stage Alluded to within the play’s stage directions or dialoguedirections or dialogue

SettingSetting

The play’s when and whereThe play’s when and whereA play’s historical period may provide A play’s historical period may provide

backstory or increased understandingbackstory or increased understandingStated and implied informationStated and implied information Influences costume, light and set designInfluences costume, light and set design Influences understanding of characterInfluences understanding of character Influences understanding of conflictInfluences understanding of conflict

Social SystemsSocial Systems

Affect the charactersAffect the charactersPolitical systemPolitical systemEconomical systemEconomical systemReligious systemReligious systemClass structuresClass structures

Cultural NormsCultural Norms

Attitudes regarding EthnicityAttitudes regarding EthnicityAttitudes toward Marriage, Family Attitudes toward Marriage, Family

and Genderand GenderLanguage UseLanguage Use

To Consider…To Consider…

Plays in Fantastical SettingsPlays in Fantastical SettingsPlays emphasize different given Plays emphasize different given

circumstancescircumstancesShakespeare’s given circumstances Shakespeare’s given circumstances

are often altered to explore other are often altered to explore other settings, social systems and cultural settings, social systems and cultural norms that are still appropriate to norms that are still appropriate to the play’s timeless characters and the play’s timeless characters and plot plot

Questions for Second Questions for Second ReadingReading

1.1. What are the events and relationships that precede the What are the events and relationships that precede the play? How do you learn about them?play? How do you learn about them?

2.2. What are the play’s when and where: its period in history, What are the play’s when and where: its period in history, its specific time and place?its specific time and place?

3.3. What social systems most affect the characters?What social systems most affect the characters?4.4. What are the play’s most important attitudes regarding What are the play’s most important attitudes regarding

race, class and gender?race, class and gender?5.5. What are the cultural conditions and assumptions that What are the cultural conditions and assumptions that

shape the characters’ attitudes regarding family, love and shape the characters’ attitudes regarding family, love and marriage, education and language?marriage, education and language?

6.6. Which given circumstances seem to have the greatest Which given circumstances seem to have the greatest effect on the play as a whole?effect on the play as a whole?

7.7. Which given circumstances seem to have the greatest Which given circumstances seem to have the greatest effect on the major characters?effect on the major characters?

Theatrical ContractTheatrical Contract

An informal understanding or agreement An informal understanding or agreement between a theatrical production and its between a theatrical production and its audience that asks the audience to accept audience that asks the audience to accept the style of performance, however realistic the style of performance, however realistic or nonrealistic it may be. or nonrealistic it may be.

Each production of a play creates its own Each production of a play creates its own unique contract that is shaped by the unique contract that is shaped by the artistic choices by each member of the artistic choices by each member of the production team.production team.

While a play may be quite theatrical, the While a play may be quite theatrical, the audience should generally accept the world audience should generally accept the world of the play that is presented. of the play that is presented.

The Characters and The The Characters and The AudienceAudience

PresentationalPresentational• SoliloquiesSoliloquies• AsidesAsides• Direct AddressesDirect Addresses

RepresentationalRepresentational• The play and The play and

characters as their characters as their own worldown world

• Fourth wall Fourth wall removedremoved

Production ElementsProduction Elements

RealisticRealistic• Detailed Detailed

appearance of appearance of reality in language, reality in language, scenery, lighting, scenery, lighting, costumes, sound, costumes, sound, properties, properties, movement, plot, movement, plot, characterization, characterization, and all other and all other elementselements

NonrealisticNonrealistic• AbstractedAbstracted• IntensifiedIntensified• DistortedDistorted• Plausibility (it is Plausibility (it is

believable in an believable in an unbelievable unbelievable world) world)

NonrealismNonrealismx

•Mary on Cross

•Huge Cross, Bible

•Stained Glass window as drop with 100 crosses hanging

• Niteclub as Church

Theatrical Contract QuestionsTheatrical Contract Questions1.1. Do any characters in the play Do any characters in the play overtlyovertly

address the audience?address the audience?2.2. When do they address the audience and When do they address the audience and

in what way? With soliloquies, asides, in what way? With soliloquies, asides, songs?songs?

3.3. How might the audience be affected by How might the audience be affected by the use of direct address?the use of direct address?

4.4. Are any of the production elements Are any of the production elements abstracted, that is, heightened or abstracted, that is, heightened or distorted in any way? distorted in any way?

5.5. What is the apparent effect of the What is the apparent effect of the abstraction?abstraction?

To Consider…To Consider… As we move into the realm of interpretation, As we move into the realm of interpretation,

you may encounter two possibilities:you may encounter two possibilities:- what the play is- what the play is- what the play could be- what the play could be

In other words, a play offers many In other words, a play offers many possibilities. While realistic and possibilities. While realistic and representational at first glance, the representational at first glance, the theatrical contract could easily be adjusted theatrical contract could easily be adjusted as long as the resulting production as long as the resulting production elements make sense within the play’s elements make sense within the play’s world that you create. As such, a realistic world that you create. As such, a realistic conversation could be made presentational conversation could be made presentational and vice versa.and vice versa.

The Third ReadingThe Third Reading

InterpretationInterpretation• CharacterCharacter• ConflictConflict• Supplemental ResearchSupplemental Research

CharacterCharacter

Existing RelationshipsExisting RelationshipsResponses to Given CircumstancesResponses to Given CircumstancesSimple v. Complex BehaviorSimple v. Complex BehaviorTactics Characters UseTactics Characters UsePoints of ViewPoints of View

Exploring CharacterExploring Character

Stage DirectionsStage DirectionsLanguageLanguageDialogueDialogueCharacters evoke Conflict, and Characters evoke Conflict, and

Conflict reveals CharacterConflict reveals Character

- Questions for Third Reading - - Questions for Third Reading - CharacterCharacter

1.1. Who are the major characters?Who are the major characters?2.2. What are the existing relationships among the characters: Are there social What are the existing relationships among the characters: Are there social

relationships? Work relationships? Religious relationships? Family relationships? Work relationships? Religious relationships? Family relationships?relationships?

3.3. Create a character map.Create a character map.4.4. What are the qualities of these relationships at the start of the play?What are the qualities of these relationships at the start of the play?5.5. What given circumstances affect each character most?What given circumstances affect each character most?6.6. Which characters are simple? Which are complex?Which characters are simple? Which are complex?7.7. How do characters behave differently with different people?How do characters behave differently with different people?8.8. What does each character say about himself or herself? What does he or she What does each character say about himself or herself? What does he or she

say about others?say about others?9.9. What do other characters say about each character?What do other characters say about each character?10.10. What do you learn about the characters from stage directions?What do you learn about the characters from stage directions?11.11. What does the way each character uses language tell you about his or her What does the way each character uses language tell you about his or her

personality? Level of education?personality? Level of education?12.12. What can you learn about each character from studying his or her language What can you learn about each character from studying his or her language

in different relationships and situations?in different relationships and situations?13.13. How does each character’s use of language reflect his ir her thought process?How does each character’s use of language reflect his ir her thought process?14.14. What goals or tactics do opposing character pursue?What goals or tactics do opposing character pursue?15.15. What do you learn about the charaters from their moments of greatest What do you learn about the charaters from their moments of greatest

conflict?conflict?

ConflictConflict

Terms to Know:Terms to Know:• ProtagonistProtagonist• Opposing Opposing

Characters or Characters or ForcesForces

• ObjectivesObjectives• MotivationMotivation• Internal ObstaclesInternal Obstacles

Dramatic Conflict:Dramatic Conflict:• Introductory Introductory

IncidentIncident• Moment of Moment of

EngagementEngagement• ClimaxClimax• DenouementDenouement

Analyzing ConflictAnalyzing Conflict

1.1. Determine the climax – when the conflict Determine the climax – when the conflict is resolved, the conflict’s last momentis resolved, the conflict’s last moment

2.2. Ask: Who is the person that drove the Ask: Who is the person that drove the conflict to its resolution? The protagonist.conflict to its resolution? The protagonist.

3.3. The play’s major dramatic question is the The play’s major dramatic question is the conflict – the answer to the question: conflict – the answer to the question: What question (that has been pursued What question (that has been pursued throughout the play) is answered in the throughout the play) is answered in the moment of climax?moment of climax?

Three Additional QuestionsThree Additional Questions

1.1. At what moment is the subject of the At what moment is the subject of the conflict introduced?conflict introduced?

2.2. At what moment does the protagonist At what moment does the protagonist commit wholly to achieving her motives, commit wholly to achieving her motives, to fulfilling her goals, to overcoming the to fulfilling her goals, to overcoming the forces that oppose her?forces that oppose her?

3.3. Who are the characters who oppose the Who are the characters who oppose the protagonist?protagonist?

• The answers to these questions identify The answers to these questions identify the play’s most important moments, the play’s most important moments, moments that should probably be moments that should probably be emphasized in some way in the emphasized in some way in the performance.performance.

-Questions for Third Reading – Questions for Third Reading – ConflictConflict

1.1. Who is the protagonist?Who is the protagonist?2.2. Which characters are the protagonist’s Which characters are the protagonist’s

opposing forces?opposing forces?3.3. What is the climax?What is the climax?4.4. What is the major dramatic question?What is the major dramatic question?5.5. What is the introductory incident?What is the introductory incident?6.6. What is the moment of engagement?What is the moment of engagement?7.7. Do the proposed introductory incident, Do the proposed introductory incident,

moment of engagement, and climax moment of engagement, and climax support the major dramatic question?support the major dramatic question?

Analyzing Conflict in ScenesAnalyzing Conflict in Scenes

Basic Understanding:Basic Understanding:• Plays are composed of scenes.Plays are composed of scenes.• Scenes are units of conflict with a beginning, Scenes are units of conflict with a beginning,

middle and end.middle and end.• ActionsActions are the character’s main intent in a scene are the character’s main intent in a scene

– often referred to as an objective.– often referred to as an objective.• Beats Beats are smaller units of action, or what a are smaller units of action, or what a

character does to help achieve his main objective.character does to help achieve his main objective.• We can also consider what motivates each We can also consider what motivates each

character to act, although this is used more by character to act, although this is used more by actors seeking to understanding his or her actors seeking to understanding his or her character and how to present an accurate character and how to present an accurate portrayal.portrayal.

-Questions for Third Reading – Questions for Third Reading – Conflict in a SceneConflict in a Scene

1.1. What is the moment where the scene’s major What is the moment where the scene’s major conflict is resolved (climax)?conflict is resolved (climax)?

2.2. What question is resolved in the moment of What question is resolved in the moment of climax (major dramatic question)?climax (major dramatic question)?

3.3. Who is the person who drives the scene through Who is the person who drives the scene through its conflict-resolution process (the protagonist)?its conflict-resolution process (the protagonist)?

4.4. Who are the opposing forces against whom the Who are the opposing forces against whom the protagonist struggles?protagonist struggles?

5.5. What is the introductory incident?What is the introductory incident?6.6. What is the moment of engagement?What is the moment of engagement?7.7. What part of the scene functions as What part of the scene functions as

denouement?denouement?

- Questions for Third Reading – - Questions for Third Reading – Conflict in a Scene Conflict in a Scene

Studying Character Through Lines of Action Studying Character Through Lines of Action What is the protagonist’s major need, her What is the protagonist’s major need, her

action?action? And how does an opposing character’s And how does an opposing character’s

action (need) create the scene’s conflict?action (need) create the scene’s conflict?The Smaller Units of ConflictThe Smaller Units of Conflict What are the beats (actions) the What are the beats (actions) the

protagonist pursues?protagonist pursues? What beats (actions) does the opposing What beats (actions) does the opposing

character pursue that create and sustain character pursue that create and sustain conflict?conflict?

Supplemental ResearchSupplemental Research

Biographical and Autobiographical MaterialsBiographical and Autobiographical Materials InterviewsInterviews Past ProductionsPast Productions Literary CriticismLiterary Criticism Theatrical ConditionsTheatrical Conditions

• As with Stage Directions, some directors purposely avoid any As with Stage Directions, some directors purposely avoid any commentary on how the play SHOULD be performed, opting to commentary on how the play SHOULD be performed, opting to use a blank slate approach to production. At times, building use a blank slate approach to production. At times, building your own analysis then looking at others’ can enrich your your own analysis then looking at others’ can enrich your production without sacrificing original thought.production without sacrificing original thought.

The Fourth ReadingThe Fourth Reading

Synthesis – Bringing It All TogetherSynthesis – Bringing It All Together• Conflict versus ThemeConflict versus Theme• Relating Other Elements to ConflictRelating Other Elements to Conflict

Conflict and ThemeConflict and Theme

Using conflict analysis places Using conflict analysis places emphasis on multiple themes.emphasis on multiple themes.

Themes can emerge throughout the Themes can emerge throughout the conflict, and present a complex conflict, and present a complex combination of ideas.combination of ideas.

Emphasizing various themes through Emphasizing various themes through conflict can create a richer, deeper conflict can create a richer, deeper performance. performance.

Questions for Fourth ReadingQuestions for Fourth Reading

1.1. How does each element of your analysis How does each element of your analysis contribute to a unified view of the play contribute to a unified view of the play that is driven by the play’s conflict?that is driven by the play’s conflict?

2.2. What themes are presented in each area What themes are presented in each area of the conflict?of the conflict?

3.3. How have you integrated the play’s How have you integrated the play’s themes in your analysis?themes in your analysis?

4.4. In what ways has the conflict related to In what ways has the conflict related to other elements in your analysis?other elements in your analysis?

5.5. How have you integrated supplemental How have you integrated supplemental research in your analysis?research in your analysis?

Final SynthesisFinal Synthesis

So, what is this play about?So, what is this play about?What purpose does this production What purpose does this production

have?have?What do you want to audience to leave What do you want to audience to leave

the theatre with?the theatre with?How will you accomplish this?How will you accomplish this?What are the potential obstacles that What are the potential obstacles that

could prevent you from reaching your could prevent you from reaching your goals?goals?

Developing a Production Developing a Production ConceptConcept

Based on your analysis, you can now make Based on your analysis, you can now make decisions regarding:decisions regarding:

• StagingStaging• Characters and ActorsCharacters and Actors• Set designSet design• Costume designCostume design• Lighting designLighting design• Presentational or Representational StylePresentational or Representational Style• Music and SoundMusic and Sound• Other ElementsOther Elements

Production ConceptProduction Concept- Staging - - Staging -

Production ConceptProduction Concept- Characters -- Characters -

Production ConceptProduction Concept- Set Design - - Set Design -

Production ConceptProduction Concept- Costume Design - - Costume Design -

Production ConceptProduction Concept- Light Design - - Light Design -

Production ConceptProduction Concept- Style - - Style -

Production ElementsProduction Elements- Music and Sound - - Music and Sound -

Production ConceptProduction Concept- Other Elements - - Other Elements -

Documents

Introduction to Play Analysis Elements of Theatre