Live Theatre Production: language

The Components of Theatrical Language

Understanding language in live theatre involves multiple aspects, such as the dialogue used by the actors, the physical and non-verbal communication, as well as the technical language associated with staging and production.
The dialogue used in live theatre can be influenced by the period and setting of the play, the characters’ personalities and their relationships with each other. This can vary greatly between different theatre productions, from Shakespearean language to contemporary speech.
Non-verbal communication is a crucial element of theatrical language. This includes facial expressions, gestures, body language and movements. These elements can express emotions and intentions of the characters that may not be verbalised in the script.
Auditory language, such as sound effects, music and silence, also forms a critical part of a live theatre production. These sounds can reinforce the emotions, themes and atmosphere of the scene.
Technical language is associated with the technical aspects of theatre, including lighting, staging, costume and prop design. Learning such terms can help better understand the various elements that contribute to a live theatre production.

Using stage directions effectively forms an important part of theatre language. These directions guide actors on where to move, how to react, when to pause and other specific actions to take on stage.
Consideration of the audience’s perspective is crucial when interpreting theatrical language. This involves thinking about how the language of a play – both spoken and visual – is perceived by those watching the performance.

In a review or analysis, it’s important to use appropriate theatrical language to describe what you observed and how it impacted the overall production. This includes discussing the performance, staging, directorial choices, and the overall design and technical aspects.
Understanding the language of live theatre can deepen the comprehension of the play, shedding light on the narrative and themes. This will contribute to more accurate, insightful analysis and evaluation of the performance.
Practicing using theatrical language can aid in effectively communicating about the nuances of different aspects of the theatre. It can improve your ability to analyse and review a live theatre production with more precision and depth.