Module A - Distinctively Visual
The Shoehorn Sonata
Focus of the module
How composers use distinctively visual ideas and aspects to explore important themes and ideas.
Our focus is on the ways that John Misto enables us to visualise certain ideas throughout his play, The Shoehorn Sonata.
Distinctively Visual Elements
- Props
- Lighting
- Stage directions
- Characterisation/costuming
- Motifs
- Projected images
- Sound and music
Themes
- Atrocities of war
- The importance of friendship
- The truth behind historical events
Examples/Details/Evidence
- The projected images of Singapore harbour
- The images of starving prisoners
- The sound track to show the strength of the British Empire (eg Jerusalem)
- The rmotif of the shoehorn which represents survival, friendship, sacrifice at various times
- Characterisation - Bridie is bigger and physically tougher, Sheila is smaller and looks more fragile.
Putting it all together...
Focus on the meaning of the play, as explored through the themes. It's your job to link these themes and ideas with the distinctively visual elements
Example
The play is about the atrocities of war and the effect it has on those who experience it -->
The reality of war is brought to life through projected images, sound effects and dialogue = analysis of the play.
You need to give an example of the specific projected images that demonstrate this theme eg the starving prisoners and the bombing of Singapore. Eg the dialogue when Sheila reveals what happened with lipstick Larry.