Props Utilized By Actors And Actresses
The development of plays by playwrights is different from that of authors of novels and other types of literature. Playwrights have the ability to develop and support the themes and ideas in a play through additional stimuli. Props can be used by actors in performances to reproduce and materialize certain elements from reality. Props are a key element of set design and can have a significant impact on the play’s effectiveness as well as the audience’s reaction. Athol Fugard’s Master Harold and the Boys and Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman use various theatrical properties to enhance and enhance the development of characters and create tension and emotion in a performance. Fugard uses meaningful props like comic books and a whiskey bottle to establish characters and their development throughout the play. The entire play takes place in one space. Many props included in the script can be seen by the characters and the audience. Fugard uses comic books in the play to represent Hally’s father. This gives the audience a clear picture of his personality and traits. This case’s comic book implications indicate that Hally is a simple-minded man who is amused at childish entities. It also suggests that power-hungry men similar to Hally are in control. Fugard shows his disgust for apartheid by using comic books to establish a secondary character. The comic books serve as a prop that establishes the character of a character not even seen on stage. The whiskey bottle is another prop which establishes Hally’s character. This prop is not used in the comics, but it is only used once on stage. Hally learns of the father’s return by notifying Hally. Hally’s dislike for his father is evident in both the bottle and the bottle being smashed. But, Hally’s anger is more about his inability to cope with his situation than his hatred towards his father. This anger is also a sign of Hally’s inability to deal with his situation. Hally’s character development can also be observed throughout the play. Miller’s use of the gas tube and the football to define the characters on stage in Death of a Salesman and what their development means is a key element. The football is used frequently in scenes from the past. It is also associated with Biff’s relationship with Willy. Biff’s former athletic and physically sound self is represented by the football. It also serves to contrast with his current miserable situation. Biff’s one strength has been his football skills. Willy is proud of the way he sees reality. Miller uses an American football to physically recreate the aspects of Biff’s past that have shaped him and helped shape his character. In the same way, Willy’s character is defined by the rubberhose, or gas tube, in this play. The rubber tube symbolizes Willy’s suicide attempts. All of these are due to his inability provide for his family. The paradox of this situation lies in the fact the gas tubing is part of a basic necessity that is essential for the survival of the Loman family: warmth. Willy’s failure to pay for essential home elements is what drove his suicide attempt. Willy’s agony and desperation as a character is reaffirmed by the gashose. Miller’s use of the props in Death of a Salesman further defines the characters and illustrates the development of the characters at different points. Fugard, however, uses theatrical qualities to enhance the effectiveness of the play. Each of these four elements are critical to determining how a play will impact its audience. Props and stage design are key factors in these moments. Hally’s mother is the only person Hally can speak to through his telephone. This creates tension within the play. Fugard incorporates the telephone as a prop so that the audience can only hear Hally’s reactions to his mother speaking. Each of the scenes where the telephone was used is filled with tension and mystery. Like the comics on the counter, it is visible from the audience all through the play. This creates tension in the audience and causes anxiety. Although they can see the phone, they don’t know when it will be ringing next. The audience’s reactions to the drama are just as important as the emotions they feel. Fugard’s play shows both these things with the inclusion the the kite. While there are differences in whether or not a kite is used for physical performance, its importance as a symbol of hope and strength is the same regardless of whether or not it is included into a memory scene. The kite symbolises hope and the hope of a better future. This is especially true if there is racial equality as well as togetherness. Hally realizes that Sam had left him on the bench for the kite flying scene. Hally also feels an emotional shift. Finally, the play’s atmosphere is created by Hally’s books or schoolbooks. These props, which are similar to the telephone and comic books, are on display throughout the play. These props are a symbol of Hally’s formal education. Sam’s inability to decipher them is indicative of the government’s efforts to keep black South Africans informed. This prop is a powerful representation of apartheid, which is a theme that runs throughout the novel. It also effectively expresses the disapproving tone and negativity of the playwright. Fugard’s skepticism towards institutionalized racial segregation is thus clearly illustrated. Miller also uses props to create tension and emotion in Death of a Salesman. Stockings can create both tension or emotion. However, these two emotions are present at separate times in the play. First, stockings can create tension because Willy snaps at Linda for trying to fix them. They also serve to remind him of his past infidelity and guilt. The audience are not shown this until later on in the play. This creates tension, which is just as important for the production of emotion. Biff discovers that Willy’s father was a cheater on Linda and has been sex with a woman when he arrives at Willy’s hotel. The woman demands Willy’s stocking and he obliges her to give it. Biff and the crowd feel this emotion. Biff sobs and breaks down, further invoking sympathy and pity for the young boy. This represents a major turning point in Biff’s relationship with Willy, especially in his view of his father. It is essential that the stockings are used as props to enhance the themes and ideas in this scene, and other scenes where they are addressed. Miller’s choices in props also create an atmosphere that is uplifting. Every mention or inclusion of diamonds within the script creates a feeling of optimism and hope. This is most evident in scenes where Ben, Willy’s younger brother, appears. Willy views the props of diamonds as tangible success and fortune. But, the precious jewels are also a symbol of Willy’s inability to acquire any. They also symbolize the ability to pass on one’s wealth or possessions to one’s child, which is another aspect of Willy’s failure to attain. Willy is filled with hope and expectation that success will come. But the hard truth is that his failures from the past are constantly reminded of him. The playwrights make use of specific and purposeful props on stage to create tension, emotion and atmosphere. Master Harold and his Boys achieve this by using a variety of props such as comic books, the telephone and Hally’s school books. Miller also used the stockings and diamonds to make Death of a Salesman. These props helped to improve the development of important concepts, symbols, and themes in both plays. This ultimately enhanced their effectiveness as works that have meaning.
