The Long and the Short and the Tall: performance conventions

Performance Conventions of ‘The Long and the Short and the Tall’

Naturalistic Acting

‘The Long and the Short and the Tall’ calls for a style of naturalistic acting where performers aim to create a believable illusion of reality through everyday speech, mannerisms, and physicality.
The soldiers’ different regional accents and the use of rank-specific military jargon contribute to the realism of the play, reflecting the diversity of the British Army.
The characters’ fluctuating emotional states, influenced by fear, tension, and moral uncertainty, need to be portrayed convincingly through subtle and nuanced performances.

Set and Costume

The play is set in a small and cluttered hut in the Malayan jungle during the Second World War. The immersive set design is critical as it contributes to the tension and claustrophobic atmosphere.
The realistic setting follows the conventions of naturalism and emphasises the authenticity of the play.
Authenticity is also maintained through the use of period-specific costume, with characters typically dressed in British military uniforms, reflecting their ranks, and the prisoner in civilian clothes to create a stark visual contrast.

Lights and Sound

The most substantial light and sound cues often coincide with the entry and exit of characters or major plot shifts, emphasising key moments and the passing of time.
The use of off-stage noises such as those of jungle animals or gunfire can create an external sense of danger and urgency.
Dim lighting can be used to stress the isolation of the hut and the uncertainty of the situation, helping to establish a foreboding and tense atmosphere.

Props

Props in this play have a significant impact on driving the narrative. The radio serves as a significant plot device and symbolises both hope and despair.
The weapons carried by the soldiers, such as guns and knives, are not only realistic elements but also serve to escalate the feeling of impending danger.
Personal possessions, like letters and photographs, provide insight into the soldiers’ lives outside of the war, humanising them and adding depth to their characterisation.