Dramatic Form and Theatrical Structure

Dramatic Form and Theatrical Structure of The Shoe Horn Sonata

Discussion questions (write your answers as we go):

- What is the main structure of the play? (Acts, Scenes, etc)?

- How many settings are there in the play? What are they?

- What is meant by the term 'theatrical custom'?

- At the end of Act 1, there is a major climax before the final curtain. Explain how this is a theatrical custom and why Misto has done this?

Stage directions:

Stage directions are used deliberately in this play. These directions tend to be very detailed, and the instructions to the actors are precise. Misto has invested within these directions much by way of the intended moods and feelings he has in mind for the characters and their revelations.

Read through the play and find at least 2 examples (each) of:

Detailed stage directions-
Precise instructions for the actors-
Moods, feelings and revelations of the characters-

Projected Images

There are many projected images and words throughout the play.

They are usually a juxtapostion- of what?

What effect does this have?

1. Select three examples of projected images (that are required by the script).

2. For each image note what is occuring on stage while the image is projected.

3. Identify the main ideas communicated through the projected images juxtaposed with the dramatic action.

Music

The play contains various additions of music. The words of songs and particular music items highlight the notion of the 'sonata'.

The song 'Jerusalem' is played a few times throughout the play.

Misto uses this song to highlight a few key issues. These are:

1. The song demonstrates Sheila's patriotism. She sings this song on one occasion after the boat has sunk and she is trying to stay awake. The lyrics also bring her hope that she will be saved because is Britain is great and will prevail. This reading of Misto's use of 'Jerusalem' can be linked to the themes of 'the power of the human spirit' and 'human instinct to survive'.

Misto also uses the song 'Rule Britannia' throughout the play.

Consider the lyrics:

'Rule Britannia
Britannia Rules the waves
Britons never never never
Will be slaves'

Discuss the irony of these lyrics:

1. Find an example from the play where the words of a song are sung in the play.

2. Identify how these lyrics highlight the key issues of the play (try to refer to the key issues in the essay question)

Lighting Spots and Darkness

Lighting is commonly designed for a particular theatrical production. Misto has designed particular uses of lighting and darkness.

1. Find an example of Misto's use of lighting and/or darkness.

2. Discuss how this is an essential component of his meaning.

Dramatic Irony

Misto uses dramatic irony throughout the play. He places the audience in an omniscient position in which they are aware of the situations before the characters are. When the audience meet Sheila and Bridie they immediately become aware of a tension between them. At first they don’t understand the reason for this tension, but are given clues, and the reasons are slowly revealed.

Consider the impact of dramatic irony on the theme of friendship.

Humour

This play exposes an atrocious situation—not only of the war and its effects on the women who were caught

up in it—but also of the ways in which the truth about such atrocities is hidden from public view. Yet it is a very funny play. The humour derives not only from the way in which the women used the power of the human spirit to laugh at adversity, but also from the way in which the playwright has juxtaposed those moments of recounting of comic events with the horrors of the memories of the reality. The light and dark in this play allows us to be both horrified and entertained. As in any great tragedy, the comic allows not simply relief from the pain, but helps us to question the reasons for the horror.

Student activities

Read through the play and identify moments where there is humour. This may be in action or dialogue.
Discuss the effects of the humour at each point.
Identify how the humour highlights the key issues.

Let's apply this knowledge!

Watch the following clips and answer the questions.

Scene 1

Scene 3

1. Identify and describe the following techniques:

Music:

What music is used?

What effect does it have on the audience?

Why do you think Misto decided to incorporate this in his play?

Projected Images:

1. What are the images about?

2. How has the display of the images been constructed?

3. What is the meaning or purpose of this image?

4. What ideas are revealed by the images?

5. What is the effect of the images?

Lighting/ Darkness:

Describe Misto's use of lighting and darkness.

What effect do they have on the audience?

Humour:

Is humour used in either of these clips?

If so, where and why?