The Woman In Black Analysis Essay Example
The Woman In Black Analysis Essay Example

The Woman In Black Analysis Essay Example

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  • Pages: 5 (1125 words)
  • Published: July 12, 2017
  • Type: Article
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Despite being frightening, The Woman In Black provided overall enjoyment. The play's second half was particularly shocking, compared to the first which lacked sudden actions and intense scenes.

Although the actual woman was not frequently shown, it could have worked in the play's favor as it would have made her appearance less realistic. Additionally, if the audience had grown accustomed to her presence, the scare factor would have diminished. Instead, the sudden actions of the sound, lighting, and actors provided the true horror element. Despite much of the play being dialogue between the two main characters, which eventually led to a sense of calm and decreased fear, I still anticipated a frightening experience while sitting in the theatre prior to the start of the show.

Excitement filled me as I contemplated the potential storyline of

...

the play and how it may unfold. I believe that the theatre's ambience adds to the performance, with dim lighting enhancing the stage's proximity to the audience, particularly when seated in the front row. Live theatre surpasses the experience of watching it on TV or at the cinema, as the audience becomes more invested in the play's unfolding when watching it before their very eyes.

When attending a theatrical performance, the atmosphere is typically filled with anticipation and steeped in tradition. The Woman In Black falls into the genre of paranormal horror and is set in rural England during the 1930s or 40s. Both the costumes and scenery are instrumental in establishing and conveying the period and style of the play. Modern-day attire would not be appropriate for a production portraying a time period from one hundred years prior. Without thes

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visual cues, it would be challenging to determine when the play takes place, as the English language remains largely unchanged from earlier centuries. By contrast, the set can offer clues to the character's location, even if they are discussing something entirely different.

It's possible to determine the style of play by observing the scenery and costumes. If both are modern, then it's likely that the play is set in present times. The actors effectively utilized the set by maintaining the main props while regularly changing smaller, less noticeable ones.

Using just one prop in versatile ways was a remarkable feat, like how the child's bedroom was transformed into a dungeon using mere sheets. The set was instrumental in communicating with the audience; from the onset, it promised a thrilling experience with its eerie, ghostly appearance. The set design, which featured a colored material draped at the front and an old, haunted house decor, followed a ghostly theme typical of such stories. Despite using only a few props that rotated, the set was an overall success. The only minor issue observed was a bucket on the stage at the beginning of the play.

Initially, I assumed that the item on stage was part of the production. However, it was abruptly removed without any apparent reason, which I found peculiar. Nonetheless, I particularly enjoyed the section that was cleverly concealed behind a thin, somewhat clear veil. It provided visibility when the performers went behind it and wanted me to observe, but it could also conceal the backdrop when necessary. The sound and lighting were crucial to the success of the play. In their absence, I believe the play would

have lacked its efficacy and charm. They established an excellent ambiance and mood throughout the entire show.

The use of lighting was employed to convey mood changes from happy to scary, highlighting specific areas of the stage and focusing on characters during their dialogue. Sound played a critical role in recreating natural sounds consistent with each scene while also being effectively applied for sudden movements or actions that could elicit scares from the audience. An example of this is when the sound of horses' hooves trotting on the road was used to add realism to a scene where a solicitor was riding in a horse and trap, especially with the added complication of bouncing on a large rectangular wicker basket. Sound was also used as an unexpected element when the solicitor witnessed the horse and carriage running over children. The audience was unaware of what was happening, and the only sound was him saying "no."

Despite hearing the sound of horses' hooves trotting and a horrifying scream that made people jump out of their seats, someone exclaimed "No!" in response. One scene had the solicitor walking backwards after jumping out of bed, allowing him to see everything. Suddenly, a beam of light shone directly on him and a loud scream with banging ensued as the light shifted to a figure standing right behind him - The Woman in Black! Despite the increase in light size, the solicitor could still be seen.

I found the utilization of light and sound in this instance to be an exceptional demonstration of how to create a particular ambiance and atmosphere. An abrupt and terrifying motion had the ability to startle the audience.

This caused a marked shift from a serene and peaceful state to one of alarm and wakefulness. Moreover, the performers infused their depictions with sound and lighting, mimicking the act of rehearsing the tale. Each scene concluded with them requesting "Mr. Barnes" to revert the lighting back to normal, communicating to viewers that their acting was concluded. The actors also employed numerous imaginative techniques.

Using their imagination instead of relying on props was a very effective technique in the play. For instance, when Spider, the dog, was given to the solicitor, using a real dog may have been unpredictable and diverted the audience's attention. The actors' imaginative approach enhanced the enjoyment of the play and allowed the audience to engage their own imagination. Overall, the actors left a positive impression on me.

Their superb skills in embodying their characters and delivering their lines made the play absolutely convincing. The actors displayed impressive vocal and physical aptitudes, creating the illusion of being in busy or hushed surroundings by speaking loudly or softly, respectively. Additionally, they effectively portrayed fear by trembling their voices with authenticity.

The actors demonstrated impressive skill in their movements, revealing their characters' emotions through flowing or sudden motions. Calmness translated into tranquil gestures while fear prompted frenzied movements. Furthermore, their movements also served to indicate location. Impressively, the actors effectively communicated their characters' inner worlds. They even provided insight into their thoughts by speaking aloud when alone. Additionally, they paused occasionally, seemingly lost in contemplation. For instance, the solicitor explored the house and discovered a child's bedroom furnished with everything one would expect, prompting a thoughtful pause.

Occasionally, he would examine items and provide a remark

while questioning, "Hmm. What is this?"

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