Film analysis
S5ahijj
the_given_circumstances_pp_cal_state-2.pptxThe Given Circumstances
The beginning of all plays is the unique combination of present and past that Stanislavsky called the Given Circumstances. Others use different terms – social context, foundations of the plot, playwrights setting, texture, local detail, or literary landscape. They all mean the same thing. Given circumstances are the specific conditions in which the action of the play occurs.
James Thomas
Time:
Time of composition by the playwright:
- Its Implications on the world of the play
- WHO was the play written for or WHO was intended to view it?
Time of the action:
- WHEN is the play taking place?
- WHAT are the significant external historical areas that might influence the world of the play?
- WHAT Internal historical references influence the play?
Dramatic time:
- Does the play’s time run exactly with the 24 hour clock or is it dramatized over hours, days, weeks, months, years?
Place:
General Local
country State
region area
- What would the implication be for the setting of the play to the play’s action?
Specific Local
- The specific location that the stage action takes place
- What would the implication be for the setting of the play to the play’s action?
Climate / Season
- Hot, humid, wet , cold, snow, fog, mild, stormy,
- Does the climate influence the action and the characters
relationships? What would be the climate’s implication to the action?
Environments
Society
Families
- Who is your Protagonist related to in the play and how do these family relationships influence the action?
Love and Friendship
- Who does the protagonist love?
- Who would they protect?
- Who do they consider their friend?
- Who do they not? Why?
Occupation
- What does the Protagonist and main players do for work or industry?
- what is the implication of their job/career to the play’s action and relationships
Environments Continued:
Social / Class Rank
- How do the main players see themselves on the social ladder in the context of the play’s Given Circumstances.
Are they successful, powerful, working class, working class, middle class, rich, do they have influence, what is the circle of friend that your character(s) associate with?
How would the other characters peers view the main players social rank?
Would they be in agreement?
What are the implications to these questions for the action and relationships of your play?
Social Standards (Decorum)
How does the character carry themselves in the context of the play’s given circumstances?
How would they Dress?
How does your character prefer to be seen in public?
What are the implications to these questions for the action and relationships of your play?
Environments Continued:
Economics:
External: General economic overview for the world of the play within the context of its Given circumstances
Personal: Specific economics overview for the persons of the play within the context of its Given circumstances
What are the implications to these questions for the action and relationships of your play?
Politics:
External General political overview for the world of the play within the context of its Given circumstances
Personal Family/Work/ Friends - political overview for the persons of the play within the context of its Given circumstances Literally..who has the power or working to control the power?
What are the implications to these questions for the action and relationships of your play?
Environments Continued:
Religion/Spirituality
External: General Religious/Spiritual overview for the world of the play within the context of its Given circumstances
Personal: Specific Religious/Spiritual overview for the persons of the play within the context of its Given circumstances
What are the implications to these questions for the action and relationships of your play?
Culture/Education and the Arts
The level of Education for the masses, For the specific characters?
Example of creative activity nationally, individually
What are the cultural standards of the play?
Are the Arts Embraced?
