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Study of set plays

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do you analyse a set play for plot, character, structure, theme and genre?

Analysing a set play, including plot and structure, character and relationships, themes and ideas, language and dramatic devices, and how these combine to create meaning for an audience.
A focused answer on analysing a set play for AQA A-Level Drama and Theatre, covering plot and structure, character and relationships, themes and ideas, language and dramatic devices, and how these elements combine to create meaning for an audience in the written exam.
8 min answer →

How do you justify directorial and design choices for a set play moment?

Justifying directorial and design choices for a set play, including a coherent directorial concept and specific set, lighting, sound and costume decisions, and explaining their intended effect on a contemporary audience.
A focused answer on justifying directorial and design choices for AQA A-Level Drama and Theatre, covering how to build a coherent directorial concept and make specific set, lighting, sound and costume decisions, and explain their intended effect on a contemporary audience.
8 min answer →

How do you interpret a set play for performance as performer, director and designer?

Interpreting a text for performance, including reading the play from the perspectives of performer, director and designer, and justifying choices about how a moment could be realised for a contemporary audience.
A focused answer on interpreting a text for performance for AQA A-Level Drama and Theatre, covering how to read a set play as performer, director and designer and justify choices about how a moment could be realised for a contemporary audience in Section B.
8 min answer →

Why does the social and historical context of a set play matter for performance?

The social, cultural and historical context of a set play, including when and why it was written, its original conditions of performance, and how context informs both analysis and staging for a contemporary audience.
A focused answer on the social and historical context of a set play for AQA A-Level Drama and Theatre, covering when and why a play was written, its original performance conditions, and how context informs both textual analysis and staging choices for a contemporary audience.
8 min answer →