Around the World in 80 Days: dramatic climax

Understanding the Dramatic Climax

“Around the World in 80 Days” reaches its dramatic climax in the sequence where Phileas Fogg believes he has lost his wager, only to discover that he is a day early due to crossing the International Date Line.
This scene takes place in London, where Fogg thinks he has lost his bet to circle the globe in 80 days. He remains composed even in disappointment, reflecting his character’s internal strength.
This climax has a surprising twist, which is central to create suspense and engage the audience. The suspense is built up further until the actual moment of revelation, testing the acting skills in presenting a variety of emotions within a short span of time.
Keep in mind how characters react differently to the situation, according to their personalities and roles within the narrative. This can provide a depth to the characters and their relationships.

In terms of staging, the understanding of the concept of time in different time zones becomes crucial. How the revelation occurs – through a newspaper article – can be portrayed effectively through props or multimedia.
Attention should be paid to the juxtaposition of feelings between Fogg and his companions when they think they have lost, versus when they discover they have won. This shift in mood is a critical dramatic moment to convey.
Consider the use of dramatic tension and timing in this climax. Every second counts in Fogg’s journey, and this tension can be amplified on stage through careful use of stage directions, sound effects, and dialogue.

Lighting, costumes, and set designs can be used to enhance this climax dramatically. For example, the light could brighten up upon the revelation, marking a sharp contrast with the earlier gloomy and melancholic atmosphere.
The dramatic outcome – with Fogg winning his bet and discovering Aouda’s love for him – resolves the main conflicts of the story, providing relief to the audience, and thus an effective denouement.

Remember, the objective is to make the audience go through the rollercoaster ride of emotions with the characters, from despair to joy, within minutes. Effective delivery of lines, expressions, and body language plays a key role in achieving this.