Tableau ADA1O

Tableau A tableau (plural: tableaux) can be described as a frozen moment in time It is like a photograph or a statue, a snapshot of an event or a feeling Tableau can be ABSTRACT (actors as non-human objects/things/ideas) or CONCRETE (actors as people)

History Tableau was used often in Ancient Greek Theatre In this period, violent episodes (war, murder, etc.) were not allowed to be shown on stage –Instead, a platform on wheels was brought on stage, and the results of these events were depicted through tableau –Actors would show the horrors that the war and murder caused through frozen images

Elements of Tableau Stillness Focal Point Balance Levels Physical Expression Facial Expression Transitions

Stillness It is important to hold a pose completely motionless when doing tableau Any movement distracts the audience and draws inappropriate attention to yourself

Focal Point Each tableau should have a main focus, much like a photograph This focus should be appealing to the audience, and make them want to look there You can achieve this by playing with levels, balance, and expression

Balance Visual balance is very important in tableau –Think about symmetry and asymmetry –If there is the same number of people on both sides of the picture, it is considered balanced There are times when you would want a balanced picture, and there are times when you would not want a balanced picture

Levels A variety of levels in a tableau makes it interesting to look at, and also can help create focus and power If you utilize the high, medium, and low, the tableau becomes far more dynamic

Physical Expression Your body should be actively engaged in whatever scene is occurring Exaggerate your position since you don’t have the luxury of voice and movement Use your arms, legs, and the rest of your body to tell the story

Facial Expression This should also be exaggerated Make the emotions you are trying to convey very clear on your face Once again, without movement and sound, all you have to rely on is your body, so go big or go home!

Transitions When telling some sort of story with more than one tableau, move between tableaux using slow-motion, neutral movements The character and emotion should not be evident during transitions.

Examples Using Tableaux to tell stories

Now let’s try some tableaux First, let’s get into groups

Try to make… A square where everyone’s face can be seen from the front (encourage different heights)

Try to make a… Wedding Funeral Campfire Fishing