Still (play)

In the context of theatrical performance and play, "still" refers to a moment of deliberate and often prolonged stillness or frozen action by one or more actors on stage. It is a technique employed to draw the audience's attention to a specific moment, character, or relationship, and is often used to heighten dramatic tension, emphasize a significant revelation, or create a visually striking image.

A still can be incorporated into a scene in several ways. Actors may freeze mid-movement, holding a particular pose or expression. The lighting may shift to further accentuate the still. Dialogue might cease, leaving the silence to amplify the visual impact. Music might be used to underscore the emotional weight of the frozen moment.

The effectiveness of a still relies on the actors' ability to maintain their stillness and focus, as well as the director's skillful integration of the still into the overall narrative. A well-executed still can be a powerful tool for storytelling, conveying complex emotions and unspoken thoughts through physical presence alone. The term is often used interchangeably with "tableau" but with the nuance that a "still" may be a more fleeting moment than a carefully constructed tableau. The purpose is usually to highlight a particular character or plot point.