Live Theatre Production: theatrical conventions of the period

Live Theatre Production: Understanding Theatrical Conventions of a Period

Understanding Theatrical Conventions of a Period: Gain knowledge about the behavioural norms, vocal and physical techniques, symbolic elements, and costume or set design specific to the period in question.
Historical and Cultural Context: Research the socio-political environment of the time as this often dictates the subject matter and presentation of plays. A complete understanding of the cultural context is critical.

Performance Characteristics and Techniques

Performance Styles: Each period in theatre history has its unique performance styles and acting techniques. Realism dominated the 19th and 20th centuries, whereas Greek theatre often favored stylised and exaggerated performances.
Pace and Timing: The speed of dialogue delivery and scene changes often reflect the era’s characteristics. Realist theatre, for example, routinely implements realistic timing.

Set and Fashion Design

Stage and Scenery: Get to know the nature of stage and scenic design of the period. Minimalistic props and set design were notable features of Elizabethan theatre, while 19th-century realism utilized detailed and realistic sets.
Costumes and Make-Up: Insights into the fashion of the period can be gleaned through study of costumes and make-up. Greek theatre, for example, utilized exaggerated and stylised make-up and masks.

Language and Story Elements

Language and Dialogue: Studying the language used in plays can provide clues about the period’s manners, social hierarchy, and everyday life. High-status characters often used formal language, with lower-status characters leaning towards colloquial speech.
Character Archetypes and Motifs: Each era had distinct common character types and story motifs. Tragic heroes were a staple of Greek theatre, with mistaken identities being commonplace in Commedia dell’arte.

Actor-Audience Relations and Role of Women

Audience Interaction: Understanding the actor-audience relationship during the period is important. A notable example is the Elizabethan theatre which had significant audience interaction, in contrast to later periods that focused on maintaining the “fourth wall.”
Role of Women in Theatre: The changing role of women in theatre is critical to understand as it reflects societal norms and values. While Ancient Greek theatre featured male actors exclusively, women performers began to be incorporated in later periods.

Remember, understanding these conventions will enable you to provide thorough and detailed responses about how a play reflects the time in which it was created. The understanding gained can significantly impact your performance in the Live Theatre Production section of your AQA Drama GCSE exam.