In the dynamic realm of acting, mastering subtext is essential for delivering performances that resonate with authenticity and depth. Subtext—the underlying meaning behind spoken dialogue—adds a layer of complexity that profoundly enhances the storytelling process.
This guide aims to demystify subtext for young adult and adult actors, providing practical insights into how to discover and utilise it effectively in your performances.
What is Subtext?
Subtext refers to thoughts, motivations, or emotions that are not explicitly expressed in dialogue but are crucial to understanding a character’s true intentions. It represents the unspoken dialogue of the scene, offering a window into the characters’ internal worlds.
For instance, when a character asserts, “I’m fine,” they might be grappling with internal strife, with the subtext revealing sadness or frustration that they choose not to voice directly.
The Importance of Subtext in Acting
Subtext is the element that imbues a performance with depth, rendering characters multi-faceted and genuine. It enables an actor to express the complexity of human emotions and relationships, often conveying more through pauses or subtle gestures than words.
The renowned Russian theatre practitioner Konstantin Stanislavski underscored the significance of subtext, instructing his students that the unspoken can sometimes communicate more than the overt dialogue. This nuanced layer of depth often distinguishes good acting from great acting.
Identifying Subtext in a Script
The initial step in working with subtext is identifying it within the script. This demands a thorough analysis of the text, where understanding the characters’ motivations, desires, and conflicts is key. Actors must ponder: What does my character genuinely desire in this scene? What are they hesitant to say? What are they concealing?
Consider dialogue where a character inquires, “Did you enjoy your day?” At face value, this seems straightforward, but depending on the context, the subtext could imply suspicion, genuine concern, or concealed displeasure. The actor’s task is to decode these layers during their preparation.
Techniques for Conveying Subtext
Intonation and Pace:
How something is said can dramatically alter its interpretation. A slow, sarcastic tone might convey irony or disbelief, whereas the same line spoken quickly and brightly could express genuine enthusiasm.
Physicality and Gesture:
Often, what is left unsaid is as impactful as the spoken words. A pause before responding, avoiding eye contact, or fidgeting can all suggest nervousness, dishonesty, or emotional turmoil.
Contextual Analysis:
Always consider the broader context of the scene. What events have transpired in previous scenes that might influence what a character is truly attempting to convey? This background provides clues to the subtext.
Subtext in Practice: A Scenario
Imagine a scene where Angela, a character, offers her employer a cold “Have a wonderful flight.” To unearth the subtext, it’s necessary to understand the dynamics of their relationship.
Has Angela been mistreated? Is there an unspoken conflict? Perhaps Angela’s terse farewell is laden with unspoken resentment or a desire for the boss’s failure.
The actor must convey this through their delivery, enabling the audience to sense the tension without explicit declaration.
The Challenge of Subtext in Screen Acting
On-screen, the subtleties of performance are magnified. The camera captures every slight facial twitch or prolonged look, making the delivery of subtext critical.
Screen actors must fine-tune their performances, ensuring that the character’s internal thoughts are implied through minimalistic yet powerful expressions.
This demands a nuanced understanding of the character’s internal world and a disciplined control over one’s expressive tools.
Subtext in Classical Texts: Shakespeare and Beyond
Even classical texts like Shakespeare’s plays are imbued with subtext. Shakespeare’s characters often utilise layered language that serves multiple purposes—revealing societal commentary, inner desires, or moral dilemmas. Understanding the Elizabethan context and double entendres can unveil the rich subtext intended by Shakespeare, offering a deeper comprehension and more enriched performance.
Conclusion
Subtext is a fundamental tool in an actor’s arsenal, essential for bringing authenticity and depth to performances. It challenges actors to delve deeper into their characters’ psyches and portray a reality that resonates with the audience.
Whether on stage or screen, mastering subtext enhances your performance and captivates the audience, making your portrayal memorable and impactful.
As you continue to explore and understand subtext, your performances will grow more affluent and compelling, truly capturing the essence of the characters you portray.
