Outline for an analysis of a theatrical production

 

 

Dramatic text and performance text

- relationship between original script and performance script:

dramaturgical changes: cuts, transpositions, additions, substitutions

faithful version, adaptation, free version,

- what interpretation(s) of the play does the performance version offer through these changes?

- if translation: criticism of translation,

is the language apt for actoral delivery?

does the translation bring features of the story closer to the audience's culture or closer to the original culture?

 

Performance space:

in what kind of space is the production performed?

conventional theatre, ƒ

Stage space:

- mode: proscenium stage (Italian), thrust stage, staging in the round, processional, mansion staging

- relationship between audience and performance area (

- open or close, uniform or multiple

References:

- mimetic or conventional

- archeological or achronic

- Relationship between space as indicated in dramatic text and the one used in the performance (faithful, free interpretation, adaptation)

Any values (poetic, symbolic) added?

Changes during performance

 

Lighting:

- system of lighting

- its function

- colours

- symbolic values

- relationship between lights and space (tridimensional or flat)

 

Props:

- kind, origin, how many

- real or figurative; degree of conventionality

- functions: instrumental, to provide atmosphere, symbolic, to ease action or denoument

- relationship between props and characters

- changes during performance

 

Actors:

- types, how many, doubling

- external appearance: physical traits, costumes, make-up,

- mime, gestures, movement

- aural craft: vocal delivery, intonation,

- movement of characters on the stage

- grouping of characters

- spatial distinction between characters

Sound: music, sound effects

- kinds

- function

 

Staging (mise en scŽne) and rhythm

- how all the systems are integrated

- how action developes

 

Audience:

- attitude, reactions, atmosphere

- reception,

- criticsÍ reviews