A Level Drama and Theatre AQA

This subject is broken down into 397 topics in 16 modules:

  1. Accidental Death of an Anarchist 26 topics
  2. Antigone 26 topics
  3. A Servant to Two Masters 26 topics
  4. Bronte 26 topics
  5. Cloud Nine 26 topics
  6. Drama Terminology 9 topics
  7. Hedda Gabler 26 topics
  8. Jerusalem 26 topics
  9. Live Theatre Production 26 topics
  10. Metamorphosis 26 topics
  11. Much Ado About Nothing 26 topics
  12. Our Country's Good 26 topics
  13. Theatre Roles and Responsibilities 24 topics
  14. The Caucasian Chalk Circle 26 topics
  15. The Glass Menagerie 26 topics
  16. Yerma 26 topics
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  • 16
    modules
  • 397
    topics
  • 142,897
    words of revision content
  • 18+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Drama and Theatre

Accidental Death of an Anarchist

Accidental Death of an Anarchist: genre

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Accidental Death of an Anarchist: genre

Genre Analysis: Accidental Death of an Anarchist

The Commedia dell'Arte Tradition

  • Accidental Death of an Anarchist uses the conventions of the Commedia dell'Arte, a form of Italian street theatre.
  • The classic characters and scenarios from this style are reimaged in a contemporary (1960s) setting.
  • Look at the ways in which the characters reflect traditional Commedia archetypes - notably the Maniac as the 'Zanni' or the comic servant.

Political Satire

  • The play is a clear example of political satire. Its humour derives from the corruption demonstrated by those in positions of authority.
  • Fo discusses serious political issues, such as police corruption and the abuse of power, using comedy and absurdity.
  • Throughout, there are numerous irreverent references to government figures, which serves as a form of political commentary.

Farce and Slapstick

  • Slapstick humour features heavily in the play, drawing once again from traditional Commedia dell'Arte techniques.
  • There are many comic misunderstandings, characters in disguise, and physical comedy with exaggerated, unlikely or improbable situations.
  • Dario Fo, the play's author, was heavily influenced by Laurel and Hardy - physical comedy can exhibit this influence.

Tragicomic Elements

  • Despite its comedic form, the play also delivers a serious message about the nature of power and corruption. This gives the piece its tragicomic quality.
  • While many events in the play are riotously funny, there is always a shadow of true events (the anarchist’s death) present.
  • Explore this dichotomy - how does Fo balance these elements and what impact does it have on the audience?

Socio-political Drama

  • The play can also be considered a form of socio-political drama, given its direct commentary and critique of specific socio-political events and systems.
  • The death in police custody of the anarchist Giuseppe Pinelli and subsequent police cover-up form the basis for the plot.
  • Fo's play challenges the 'official' narrative of these events, suggesting a broader critique of the mechanisms of power and state control.

Understanding how 'Accidental Death of an Anarchist' utilises genre conventions can inform a broader analysis of how the play communicates its themes and messages.

Course material for Drama and Theatre, module Accidental Death of an Anarchist, topic Accidental Death of an Anarchist: genre

Drama and Theatre

Live Theatre Production

Live Theatre Production: creation of mood and atmosphere

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Live Theatre Production: creation of mood and atmosphere

Understanding Mood and Atmosphere in Live Theatre Production

Mood and atmosphere induce emotional responses in the audience and contribute to their experience of the theatre production.

  • Mood pertains to the emotional tone of a scene or a play as a whole.
  • Atmosphere refers to the pervading feeling or aura that contributes to the audience's sensory experience of the play.
  • Both elements create a context and environment for the story and the characters.

Factors Influencing Mood and Atmosphere

  • Elements like lighting, sound, set design, costume, and make-up significantly affect the mood and atmosphere.
  • Lighting can be manipulated to convey different times of day, changes in location, focus the audience's attention, or enhance dramatic moments.
  • Sound and music can evoke emotional responses, build tension or signify changes in mood.
  • Set design and props reflect the environment and influence the overall atmosphere of a scene or the play.
  • The use of costume and make-up aids in conveying character traits, time period and contributes to the visual aesthetics of a scene.

The Role of Actors and Directors

  • Actors play a significant role in creating mood through their body language, voice modulation, and interaction with other characters and the set.
  • Directors utilise elements like blocking, pace, selection of sound and lighting, and interpretation of the script to create the desired mood and atmosphere.

Communicating Mood and Atmosphere to the Audience

  • Mood and atmosphere should be established at strategic points in the play, ensuring they align with the plot and the overall aesthetic vision.
  • Directors aim to communicate the mood and atmosphere subtly for a more immersive experience. It's about 'showing' rather than 'telling'.
  • Transitional moments, like changes in scenes or acts, often offer an opportunity to shift or intensify the mood and atmosphere.

The Impact of Mood and Atmosphere for the Audience

  • Mood and atmosphere play a crucial role in engaging the audience and eliciting emotional responses.
  • They can heighten audience participation and interest in the narrative and characters.
  • The audience attunes their emotional reaction depending on the mood created, whether it's laughter, suspense, sadness, or fear.
  • The atmosphere perceived by the audience contributes significantly to their overall 'takeaway' from a theatre production.

Course material for Drama and Theatre, module Live Theatre Production, topic Live Theatre Production: creation of mood and atmosphere

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