Blood Brothers: style

Blood Brothers: Stylistic Elements

“Blood Brothers” by Willy Russell:

The play is a musical drama, integrating elements of song, dance, and dialogue.
The play follows a non-naturalistic style, with the incorporation of dramatic irony, foreshadowing, and metaphor.
Russell utilises Liverpool dialect and colloquial language in forming the setting and characters. This element is crucial to the play’s style and authenticity.

Narrative and Plot:

The play’s overarching narrative is directed by a single, omnipresent character who controls the tone and pace, offering deeper insights.
A notable narrative device is the cyclical plot structure, where the play begins and ends with the same event, hinting at inevitability and fate.
Symbolic elements, such as superstition and the shoes on the table, are included, adding layers of meaning and interpretation.

Influence of Brechtian and Greek Theatrical Styles:

The play adopts a Brechtian style, the use of the narrator, direct audience address, and song remind the audience they are watching a play.
Like a Greek Chorus, dramatic songs are used to express character feelings, distinguishing the play from naturalistic ones where characters only interact.

Themes and Issues:

The play examines social class disparity through its characters and story, highlighting issues like poverty, crime, and educational inequality.
A delicate balance is maintained between intense drama and comedy, ensuring dynamism and greater impact during dramatic moments.
The style emphasises the clash between deterministic forces like superstition and humanistic principles like choice, leading to the tragic end.

Remember: A comprehensive grasp of the play’s stylistic elements will bolster the analysis and understanding of its content and themes.