Streetcar

Question 1

Function/Purpose

Answer 1

Blanche - To explore the devastating impact of trauma and guilt on the human psyche. Her arrival in New Orleans is the catalyst of the play and disrupts Stella/Stanley’s lives and allows for critical examination of their relationship.

Question 2

Objectives/Motivations

Answer 2

Blanche - O: Deceive others of her age / M: Fear of ageing and loss of beauty.
O: To marry Mitch / M: Fear of loneliness/Desire for Stability

Question 3

Status: High

Answer 3

Blanche - Starts High but illusory - Blanche arrives in New Orleans with an air of superiority and the remnants of her once-high social status as a Southern belle.

Question 4

Status: Low

Answer 4

Blanche - Gradually her status falls across the play. She is in a power struggle with Stanley to assert her status, but he doesn’t buy it. Stanley’s dominance and aggression steadily undermine Blanche’s position, highlighting her vulnerability and lack of real power.

Question 5

Traits

Answer 5

Blanche - Traits –
External (Non-Verbal Language)
Nervous/Fidgety
Elegant Gestures
Strong, tall posture
Internal
Illusions and Fantasies – She escapes into illusion as a coping mechanism.
Insecure – Fear of ageing/loss of beauty
Desperate for love and approval

Question 6

Naturalism

Answer 6

Naturalism attempts to create the experience of real life on stage. Using all available theatrical elements (acting, narrative, design, and theatre technologies), its ultimate aim is to create an empathetic and emotional response in the audience.

Question 7

Social Realism

Answer 7

Social realist theatre is set in actual places and recognisable environments.Alongside realistic and relatable plots, settings and characters, it often uses expressionistic theatrical devices, such as flashbacks or juxtaposed actions.

Question 8

Verbal Language

Answer 8

What is said and to whom
Mood of the language
Accents
Tone, resonance and emphasis
(Dynamics) Pace, pitch and volume
Mannerisms/idiosynchrasies
Pause and silence
Diction and articulation
Projection
Vocal noises – singing, animal noises, grunting, playing inanimate objects
Crying
Use of breath (audible)
Rhythm of speech

Question 9

Non-Verbal Language

Answer 9

What is implied
What is physicalised
Eye contact
Gestures
Mannerisms/idiosynchrasies
Gait (stance)/Posture
Pause and silence
Use of space
Placement and movement on stage and within the audience
Facial expressions – to portray emotions
Projection of energy
Inaudible use of breath - holding breath
Use of props
Rhythm of movement

Question 10

Plastic Theatre

Answer 10

Plastic Theatre is a unique approach to theatre introduced by Tennessee Williams. A convention of this style is use of symbolic, props, visuals and music to enhance complex themes and emotions with the audience.

Question 11

Focus

Answer 11

Concentration of the actor & audience attention.

Question 12

Acting Space: The Upstairs

Answer 12

An exploration of the subversive (hinting at a queer relationship between Eunice and Gee Gee/Blanche’s past lover’s sexuality), Insight into the pervasive nature of domestic violence (seeing Eunice’s violent relationship with her husband and how it echoed that of Stella and Stanley), Blanche’s psyche/memories (the vignettes of her ex-husband).