The set (IT)

• What is the original style of the play?

  • The style has been described as 'direct to the camera' documentary.
• What type of material does the IT use?

  • Uses reports and media material e.g. the lesson (Pages 31-33), and interweaves them with events from Grace's life.
• What does documentary theatre usually work off of?

  • Documentary theatre usually works off the continuous tension and juxtaposition of the actual situation; The IT interweaves these situations so they become a major influence on Grace's mental health, continually feeding the 'IT'.
• How is direct address used in the IT?

  • There is also the effect of direct address 'to the camera' as both Grace and other characters comment on these events and their views and feelings.
• How does the It give us information in a very quick and highly effective way?

  • Grace's story is unfolded using narration and story telling. The playwright uses the characters to tell the story of what's happening e.g. pages 20-21. This is a quick and highly effective way of giving us information and moving the plot quickly and efficiently.
• What is the use of epic theatre?

  • This is a type of political theatre that addresses contemporary issues.
• Who developed epic theatre?

  • Bertolt Brecht.
• What is Epic theatre?

  • Epic theatre uses a number of techniques to distance the audience, allowing them to remain objective so they can make rational judgements about any social comments and issues.
• What are some of the techniques which are associated with the epic theatre used in the IT?

  • Minimal setting
  • Clear political point or focus
  • direct address
  • Episodic structure
  • Multi rolling
• What is the structure of the It?

  • Beginning,middle and end.
  • Structure of IT- Story theatre, Characters stand back and comment on the action as well as taking part.
  • Their share their thoughts,feelings, comment on events,provide trasitional information from one episode to another and help cover the expository material handled by the narrative.
• What does story theatre tend to use?

  • Little set and few props.
  • Actions can proceed quickly without elaborate set changes.