The Playwright's Craft

Techniques

• Storytelling

ü  Use of suspense

• Use of flashback
• Use of elaborate stage directions

ü  To highlight costume

ü  To highlight characterization

• Use of language

Function of each Technique

• Storytelling

ü  One central character used to pass on information to the audience

ü  The story teller is both a bystander as well as involved in the action

ü  The story teller has control over when and how information is relayed as well as how much of it – this creates the suspense

ü  The story teller – allows for the smooth transition in time – whether an incident is elaborated on or merely mentioned.

ü  The perspective from which the story is told is skewed – based on the teller’s intention - typical of storytelling – the aim is to allow the listener to see things from his or her side.

ü  This technique also allows for greater engagement with the audience – as it allows for direct interaction with the storyteller.

ü  other characters – (Ms. Aggy and George) are allowed to tell their side of the story about specific situations.

See notes in text book (latest edition).

• Flashback

ü  Helps in the transition of time – helps in connecting the events of the past

ü  Aids in the use of suspense by the storyteller

ü  Provides information for the audience as well as characters in the play about specific situation.

ü  Eg. Ms. Aggy goes back in time to inform Len about how she met George – this is for both Len and the audience.

• Elaborate Stage Directions

ü   help in understanding the function of costume, and characterization.

ü  Costume aids in shedding light on personality of characters as well as their status in society.

ü  Provide a guide to the characters so they know how and when to behave

ü  Help in the passage of time – it is through these that characters know when and how to freeze and unfreeze so the action can continue.

• Use of Language

ü  Language is used to represent status, educational background and generational gap.

ü  Pa Ben and Ms. Aggy – use words and expressions that are of their generation. Pa Ben invents words to facilitate his storytelling craft – to be impressive

ü  Len transitioned from speaking with Pearl and his mother to a more sophisticated and restrained language.

ü  Lois’ use of language is representative of her exposure and educational background

ü  George manipulates his to get what he wants – difference in how he speaks to Len, Ms. Aggy, Bertie and even Lois – George able to switch register comfortably.

Pa Ben's roles as:

• narrator
• social commentator
• charactor
• director

How the concept of 'Old Story Time' is presented and maintained

• his narrative of the past - how it was done by his father and the rituals involved
• summoning of the village or villagers - repetition of 'ole story time'
• names of events, places and people of the past eg. Pa Zaccy
• use of common courtesies  - eg.  All well all well - 'everybody hearty'