Style:
* Refers to the overall aesthetic and mood of the play. This includes:
* Genre: Comedy, tragedy, drama, farce, etc.
* Setting: Historical, contemporary, fantastical, etc.
* Themes: Love, loss, identity, social commentary, etc.
* Tone: Serious, humorous, satirical, etc.
* Visual elements: Costume, lighting, set design, etc.
* Language: Formal, colloquial, poetic, etc.
Technique:
* Refers to the specific methods and tools used to create the play's style. This includes:
* Acting techniques: Stanislavsky, Meisner, etc.
* Directing techniques: Blocking, pacing, character development, etc.
* Playwriting techniques: Dialogue, structure, plot devices, etc.
* Technical elements: Sound design, lighting effects, stage management, etc.
Example:
* Style: A historical drama set in Victorian England, focusing on themes of social class and morality, with a serious tone.
* Techniques: The play might use Stanislavsky acting techniques for realism, traditional set design to create a sense of authenticity, and poetic language to evoke the period.
The relationship between style and technique:
* Style informs technique. The desired style dictates the techniques used to achieve it. For example, a play with a comedic style will use different acting techniques and dialogue than a play with a tragic style.
* Technique helps shape the style. The chosen techniques can influence the overall feel and impact of the play. For instance, innovative lighting and sound effects can contribute to a play's surreal or fantastical style.
In conclusion, style and technique are two distinct aspects of a play, but they are interconnected and essential for creating a cohesive and meaningful theatrical experience. The style provides the overall direction, while the techniques are the tools used to bring that style to life.