AO3: Context 😍

Question 1

What is “Plastic Theatre”?

Answer 1

Plastic Theatre is a term used to describe Williams’ use of sound, lighting and props which are usually used to portray a character’s emotions in a more abstract way.

An example of Plastic Theatre is when in the rape scene Williams’ stage directions say that the walls of the flat “have become transparent” symbolising the outside, real and sordid world encroaching on Blanche’s imaginary world where she must be shielded from reality. Another example of this is when the “lurid reflections” and “inhuman voices” fill Blanche’s imagination, however, in order for the audience to fully apprecciate Blanche’s state of mind, we must also be privy to these noises.