Stagecraft Flashcards
What are the key stagecraft methods in A Streetcar Named Desire?
*Use of heat
* Props/ set as symbols
* Costume
* Music
* Motif of light
* Plastic Theatre
* Colour symbolism
The Blue Piano Sc1
“The Blue Piano expresses the spirit of the life which goes on here”
Motif of light Sc1
‘And turn that over-light off! I won’t be looked at in this merciless glare!” Blanche Sc1
Motif of bathing Sc1
“She’s soaking in a hot tub to quiet her nerves” Stella Sc1
Blanche exposing herself to the light Sc3
“stands in her pink silk brassiere and white skirt in the light through the portieres”
Motif of light associated with Allan Gray Sc6
“the searchlight which had been turned on the world was turned off again”
The Varsouviana associated with Allan Gray Sc6
“The Polka stops abruptly. Blanche rises stiffly. Then the Polka resumes in a major key”
Motif of light and sex Sc8
“coloured lights going” Stanley
The Varsouviana as a symbol of impending tragedy Sc8
“its music rising with sinister rapidity as the bathroom door opens slightly”
Light and dark imagery Sc9
“I like it dark. The dark is comforting to me” Blanche
Motif of clothing Blanche Sc10
“soiled and crumpled white satin evening gown”
“rhinestone tiara”
Symbol of alcohol Sc8 and Sc9
” He says you’ve been lapping it up all summer like a wildcat!” Mitch
“He has had a few deinks in the way and has brought some quart beer bottles home with him”
Motif of clothing Stanley Sc10
“brilliant silk pyjamas”
Plastic Theatre Sc10
“Lurid reflections appear in the walls”
“The night is filled with inhuman voices like cries in a jungle”
“She is rooting excitedly through (her bag)”
Final scene setting Sc11
“the cathedral chimes are heard”
