A Day in the Death of Joe Egg: use of performance space

Use of Performance Space

‘A Day in the Death of Joe Egg’ is set in an old Victorian House that has two levels.
The house is oppressively cluttered, mirroring Bri and Sheila’s complex, stressful situation.
The second level of the stage, representing the upstairs of the house, provides a physical separation from the grounded reality of the living room.
This spatial segregation emphasises the contrast between the real world and Sheila’s fantasy world where she escapes to play out Joe’s potential life.

Their daughter, Joe’s wheelchair is predominantly situated centre stage, this symbolises her central position in the family’s dynamic.
Physical actions of the characters, such as Bri’s playful, often slapstick antics, and Sheila’s tender interactions with Joe, reveals their emotional states and their differing attitudes towards Joe.

Often character’s break the ‘fourth wall’, especially Bri - his monologues directed towards the audience reveal his true feelings and thoughts about his situation, which he usually masks with humour.
This breaking of the fourth wall also emphasises the theme of ‘performance’ - of playing roles or putting on a front.

Space on the stage is often used to depict emotional and psychological distances. For example, when characters are in conflict or feeling isolated, they may be placed far apart on the stage.
The use of Joe’s wheelchair and the physical space around it can be utilised to symbolise the uncomfortable, often avoided topic of her presence and disability.
Frequent interruptions of personal space - as with Freddie’s tactless, intrusive behaviour - amplify the tension.

Use of props such as Joe’s wheelchair, toys, and other therapeutic equipment further allude to the harsh reality of the family’s life.
The malfunctioning doorbell serves as a symbolic reminder of the outside world and its inability to effectively aid or understand their situation.
Lighting and sound effects can be manipulated to create the illusion of different times of day or signify changes in mood or tone.