How to Navigate the Subtext in Harold Pinter’s Plays
How to Navigate the Subtext in Harold Pinter’s Plays
Performing Harold Pinter’s works is an exciting challenge for actors, especially because so much of the meaning lies beneath the surface. Pinter’s characters often say one thing while thinking—or feeling—something entirely different. His trademark pauses and silences are just as crucial as the dialogue itself, creating tension and ambiguity that leave audiences captivated. But how do you, as an actor, bring this elusive subtext to life? Here’s a guide to help you unlock the mysteries of Pinter’s plays.
Understand the World of the Play
Before diving into your character, take the time to understand the play’s world and its dynamics. Pinter often creates claustrophobic settings where power struggles and hidden histories define the relationships.
Ask questions about context: Where are the characters? How long have they known each other? What’s the unspoken history that influences their interactions?
Explore the stakes: Why does this moment matter? Pinter’s plays thrive on tension, so understanding what’s at risk is essential.
Pay Attention to the Pauses and Silences
Pinter is famous for his pauses and silences, which are meticulously indicated in his scripts. These aren’t empty spaces but moments brimming with unspoken thought and emotion.
Pause with purpose: Think about what your character is processing or withholding during these moments. Is it fear? Suspicion? Desire?
Use the silence: Silences can be just as confrontational or revealing as spoken lines. Let the tension simmer during these moments.
Decipher What’s Not Being Said
In Pinter’s plays, characters often use words to obscure their true intentions rather than reveal them. Your job as an actor is to understand the subtext beneath the dialogue.
What’s the hidden agenda? Every line serves a purpose, whether it’s to assert dominance, protect a secret, or provoke a reaction.
Layer your delivery: Play the line as written, but let the subtext influence your tone, pace, and body language. This duality is key to capturing the complexity of Pinter’s characters.
Embrace Ambiguity
Pinter doesn’t spoon-feed audiences or actors; his plays thrive on ambiguity. Your interpretation of a line or pause may differ from another actor’s, and that’s okay.
Trust your instincts: What feels true for your character in the moment? Let your choices be informed by the text but shaped by your own emotional connection.
Be open to interpretation: Directors and fellow actors may bring their own perspectives, which can enrich your understanding of the subtext.
Find the Power Dynamics
Pinter’s characters are often engaged in subtle (or overt) power struggles. These dynamics are key to unlocking the subtext in his plays.
Who’s in control? Power can shift rapidly in Pinter’s works, sometimes within a single scene or even a line.
What’s the weapon? Is your character using charm, intimidation, or manipulation to gain the upper hand? Let these tactics inform your choices.
Tips for Practising Subtext:
Experiment with intentions: Rehearse lines with different objectives to explore the range of subtext they can convey.
Use improvisation: Create backstory or unseen moments to deepen your understanding of what drives the character.
Focus on listening: Reacting to what isn’t being said is just as important as delivering your own lines.
Example from The Birthday Party
In The Birthday Party, much of the tension stems from what isn’t said. Take this exchange between Goldberg and McCann:
Goldberg: "Do you ever ask yourself who exactly you are?"
McCann: (pause) "I know who I am."
On the surface, it seems like a straightforward question and answer. But beneath it lies a web of unease and mistrust. What is Goldberg really asking? What is McCann concealing? As an actor, exploring these layers will add richness to your performance.
Why Pinter’s Subtext Stands Out
Harold Pinter’s plays challenge actors to look beyond the words and embrace the unspoken. His exploration of power, memory, and human vulnerability makes his characters endlessly fascinating to play. By delving into the subtext, you can bring depth, tension, and authenticity to your performance.
Ready to take on Pinter’s world? Start with a close reading of the text, listen to your instincts, and let the subtext guide your choices. The magic of Pinter lies not just in what is said but in what is left unsaid. Dive in and discover the power of the pause!
