Stagecraft Flashcards
1
Q
Describe the Setting Particularly the use of the Apartment
A
- The small cramped apartment reflects the tension between characters
- It also highlights Blanche’s inability to fit into Stanley and Stella’s world
2
Q
Describe the Lighting Particularly during the ‘Rape Scene’
A
- During this scene there is dim and shadowing lighting, which enhances the danger and threat which Stanley presents
- “Lurid reflections appear on the walls in odd, sinuous shapes” and “The shadows are a grotesque and menacing form.” It makes the space feel claustrophobic, inescapable and nightmarish
3
Q
Describe the Lighting Particularly in relation to Blanche
A
- Blanche’s fear of bright lights symbolises her desire to hide the truth about her past e.g. when she covers the light bulb with a lamp shade its almost as if she’s trying to soften reality
4
Q
Describe Sound and Music Particularly the Blue Piano
A
- The Blue Piano is jazz music and it rises in volume during the ‘rape scene’ to heighten the impact of the action and furthermore, indicating the climax of the play
- It also signifies Stanley’s ‘blue collar’ working class, symbolising Stanley’s domination over Blanche
- The ‘pulsing’ music indicates Blanche has been raped
5
Q
Describe Sound and Music Particularly the Varsouviana Polka
A
- This polka plays whenever Blanche remembers her husband’s suicide, symbolising the guilt and trauma she feels, which is inescapable such as the polka music which continues to play
- Blanche is the only character which can hear the polka music signifying her deteriorating mental state and demonstrates her descent into madness/loss of her grip on reality
6
Q
Describe the use of Symbolic Props
A
Paper Lanterns = This is Blanche’s attempt at masking reality. Stanley ripping down the lantern symbolises his destruction of her illusions
Alcohol = Is another way in which Blanche attempts to escape reality
Bathing = Represents Blanche trying to cleanse her past sins - another way in which she tries to soften reality
