Hansel and Gretel: development of pace and rhythm

Understanding Pace and Rhythm in ‘Hansel and Gretel’

The pace and rhythm of ‘Hansel and Gretel’ fluctuates throughout the play, echoing the emotional highs and lows experienced by the characters.
The mischievous and light-hearted beginnings of the play are reflected through a quick, energetic pace that symbolises the children’s innocent playfulness.
The parents’ decision to abandon the children manifests as a slower pace and rhythm, creating a sense of dread and foreboding.
Once the children are lost in the woods, the rhythm becomes unpredictable and erratic, mirroring their fear and confusion.

In the scenes involving the witch, the pace is often frenzied and chaotic, symbolising the danger and fear associated with her character.
The slow pace of the scenes where the children are captive in the witch’s house reflects their hopelessness and despair.
When the children begin to devise a plan to escape, the pace quickens again, highlighting their excitement and growing confidence.

The climax of the play - the children’s escape and the witch’s defeat - has the fastest pace and rhythm, creating a sense of urgency and intensity.
After their successful escape, the play returns to a moderate and steady pace, symbolising a return to safety and familiarity, ending on an uplifting and joyous note.

In their roles, performers must be able to adapt their delivery according to these variations in pace and rhythm. This involves carefully timing their dialogue, movements and reactions.
Revision should focus not just on understanding these shifts in pace and rhythm, but how to articulate them effectively in performance terms. Pointer: look for the many hints in the text which indicate possible changes in pace and rhythm.

Pay attention to directorial choices in professional productions. How can they manipulate pace and rhythm to highlight important moments or to evoke desired feelings from the audience?
Consider how aspects such as lighting, music, set design and costumes can also contribute to the pacing and rhythm of the play. For example, a sudden change in lighting or dramatic music can signal a change in pace.