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An Inspector Calls
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I have seen this play at least three times and it has never had an interval
Does anyone know why?
Does anyone know why?
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For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.I have never seen it, but a quick look round the interent shows it runs for only 1 hour and 45 minutes, but more importantly has 3 acts.
So I guess with any 3 act play is, where do you have the interval.
Two intervals (between each act) would be overkill, but having only one interval leaves you the decision of having it after the first act or the second act.
So maybe it was decided on no interval (to keep the suspence going).
As we can all sit in the cinema for 2 hours without needing a break maybe sitting in the theatre for less than that is not seen as a problem.
So I guess with any 3 act play is, where do you have the interval.
Two intervals (between each act) would be overkill, but having only one interval leaves you the decision of having it after the first act or the second act.
So maybe it was decided on no interval (to keep the suspence going).
As we can all sit in the cinema for 2 hours without needing a break maybe sitting in the theatre for less than that is not seen as a problem.
An Inspector Calls is a morality play based on the hidden nature of middle-upper-class citizens. It is supposed to represent real life as close as it possibly can, whilst only taking place in one room. The nature of the writing by J.B. Priestly is tight and without waste.
An interval placed in the middle of the play would completely destroy the ambiance and realism of the performance.
An interval placed in the middle of the play would completely destroy the ambiance and realism of the performance.
As VHG states, the original play was written by JB Priestley in 1945 set in 1912 and in three acts. An interval would have taken place between each one.
In 1992 iti was revived by Stephen Daldry, (who also directed the more recent Billy Elliot and who will co-direct the Opening Ceremony for the Olympic Games) He decided to take it out of the drawing room set and build a beautiful house where the action takes place. He also decided to speed it up by not having an interval.
The play moves along more quickly than it would have done in the past and is much more engaging without a break. Stephen's version is still touring now and is as poignant today as ever before.
In 1992 iti was revived by Stephen Daldry, (who also directed the more recent Billy Elliot and who will co-direct the Opening Ceremony for the Olympic Games) He decided to take it out of the drawing room set and build a beautiful house where the action takes place. He also decided to speed it up by not having an interval.
The play moves along more quickly than it would have done in the past and is much more engaging without a break. Stephen's version is still touring now and is as poignant today as ever before.