KS4 Terminology Flashcards
Abstract
A style of theatre that does not depict real life - opposite of Naturalism
Verfremdungseffekt
Alienation - distancing the audience from the action of the play (Brechtian)
Climax
A major event in a story - the highest point of tension
Anti-climax
Where the build up of tension is broken without a climatic event
Arena staging
Stage is a square with tiered seating on each side
Aside
A comment made by a performer on stage to the audience - not heard by other characters
Auditorium
Theatre or performance hall
Caricature
An over-exaggerated portrayal of a certain type of character
Convention
The ‘ingredients’ of a style or genre
Devising
Creating a performance from scratch (not scripted)
Dramatic irony
Where the audience know something the character(s) do not
Dramatic tension
A build up of anticipation - causes the audience to be on the edge of their seats
End-on staging
Classic theatre set up - where the audience sit in front of the stage
Epic theatre
Brecht’s style of theatre - designed to alienate the audience
Fourth wall
The imaginary wall between the audience and performers (Naturalistic)
Genre
The category or type of play
Monologue
An extended script written for and performed by one person alone
Naturalism
Stanislavski’s style of theatre - designed to mirror real life on stage
Physical theatre
Style of theatre relying on physicality and physical expression - limited dialogue
Promenade staging
The performance moves (around a room/building/etc) - audience follow
Proscenium arch
An archway crossing the front of the stage in end-on staging in some theatres
Stock character
An instantly recognisable character type across genres e.g. villain, trickster
Style
The word for a specific practitioner’s type of theatre
Subtext
The hidden meaning beneath a line of dialogue/text
In the round staging
