The National Theatre's Jane Eyre

Let's take a look at the National Theatre's production of Jane Eyre as a case study. Through this series of vignettes we'll see how various elements of performance were thought about and executed in order to unify the production as a well balanced and cohesive theatrical performance.

First take a look at a production trailer of this production.

Now explore the following videos as we dissect the various elements of performance through a series of 6 vignettes.

Click on the Playlist Menu in the top left hand corner of the video player below to select a different video.

Conclusion

By now you should be able to see how the elements of performance analysis: Story; Character; Style (design, details, materials etc.); Conventions; Spectacle; Music; Acting, and Audience can contribute or detract from bringing a theatrical text alive for the audience. That's why we learn about them since you analyze a live theatre production differently than you would reading a play, which is what you are going to do next. It takes objectivity to be able to stand back and understand how all of these elements are working during a production; especially when you are immersed in the moment, watching the action unfold in front of you. There is a lot to take in, and in a live performance you can't stop the action, flip back a page to something you may have missed, or  hit the rewind button. Because it's all happening in the "now", in the present moment. So when you attend your live theatre production--one of the course assignments-- go with the intention of observing each of the performance elements, but allow yourself experience the production through all of your senses too, paying attention to how you feel and what emotions are coming to the surface.