Things I Know to be True: use of performance space
Things I Know to be True: use of performance space
The Significance of Performance Space in “Things I Know to be True”
- “Things I Know to be True” is a play written by Andrew Bovell, and the use of space in performances is critical to conveying the themes and deeper underlying messages. The performance area is utilized as an essential ‘actor’ in the story.
- The manipulation and design of the performance space go beyond aesthetics; it is engineered to evoke certain feelings and convey specific meanings to the audience, creating a mood, atmosphere, and tone.
Utilization of Physical Space in Transitions
- The use of physical space plays a crucial role in transitioning smoothly between scenes, slipping in and out of various realities and memories. This allows the audience to follow the storyline more effectively.
- The performance area is typically minimalistic. It is designed to allow the actors’ performances, and the dialogue and narrative to take the lead. Props and set elements are often kept simple and multi-functional.
Importance of Locations and Actors Movements
- In the play, the backyard is a critical location. Its intimate construction projects the nurturing and displacing aspects of a family home. The garden set helps intensify the rawness of the emotions exhibited by the characters.
- Actors tend to use physical theatre and movement to fill the space and convey emotions. Their physical actions often depict the internal struggles of the characters more vividly than words.
Interpretation of Symbolism and Realism
- The use of levels is significant - this may symbolize social standing, status, or the emotional high and lows of the characters. Carefully choreographed movement sequences and positioning of actors in the space can convey these effectively.
- Bovell often uses symbolic realism in his use of space. The setting acts as a physical manifestation of the emotional climate of the play and characters’ internal state.
Technical Aspects within the Performance Space
- Lighting, and other technical aspects, are used to manipulate the perception of space, create focused areas, and aid transitions. This helps in shifting mood or location swiftly, thus maintaining the flow of the performance.
- Consider the impact of proxemics - the spatial relationships between characters on stage. Proxemics can give audiences important clues about characters’ relationships and feelings towards each other.
Final Remarks
- Overall, the goal in “Things I Know to be True” is to purposefully and creatively use performance space to enrich and deepen the emotional connection, narrative, and themes of the play. Understanding these facets will aid your interpretation and critique of the play.