How Important Are the Stage Directions and Technical Effects in Creating the Rising Dramatic Tension in Act Two of 'Abigail's Party' by Mike Leigh?

... How Important Are the Stage Directions and Technical Effects in Creating the Rising Dramatic Tension in Act Two of 'Abigail's Party' by Mike Leigh? In my opinion, stage directions and technical effects are an essential part of creating dramatic tension, and a sense of atmosphere. The stage directions can be aimed at the actors, the director, the sound crew, or the lighting technicians, but ultimately all cohere, to help the atmosphere and tension. All through the play, the satirical styles of the characters are amusing, but sometimes down right annoying - which I think was done deliberately to represent her character. I think Elizabeth Berrington's character, Beverly, is one of the best examples of this. Her bossy and aggravating manner towards her husband and others dominated the first half of the play. It was, however, overpowered in numbers when the main creator of the tension became the receiver. Towards the end

want to read more? →