Aside

Origin and definition of the concept

The term would have been invented, according to Sebastien-Roch Nicolas de Chamfort and Joseph of the Door, in their Dramatic Dictionnaire , by Mesnardière:

It is Menardiere which, in its Poëtique, gave to these speeches the name of Aside, which passed in the Dramatique language. Several Volumes that this Menardiere made for the Theater, it is the only word which remained.

In the traditional dramaturgy, it acts of the counterpart, often short, of a character who does not wish to be heard. The aside must thus be marked on a particular tone by the actor, and is thus indicated by a Didascalie, generally “ with share ”, or “ low ”. But this counterpart can also constitute a direct address with the public, and often plays of the Double theatrical stating. Employed as Comique in the Comédie arises, it also makes it possible to reveal with the spectator the character and the emotions of the character:

Art consists in making the Aside interesting by the situation of the Character who lets see the mouvemens of which it is fought, or who reveals some terrible secrecy. In the Comedy, it is necessary to make use of it to produce plays of Theater, like when an Actor makes in two words, low, a pleasant reflection on what the other says high, &c.

Practical of the aside in the history of the theater

Not very present in the Greek Theater, the aside is more employed in the Latin Théâtre, in particular the comedies of Plaute or Terence. Thus, in Aulularia of Plaute, which inspired Miserly the of Molière, the aside emphasizes the avarice of the main character:

MÉGADORE. - Hello, Euclion; the sky always holds you in joy.

EUCLION. - And you in the same way, Mégadore.

MÉGADORE. - How do you carry you? Does that go as you want?

EUCLION, with share . - The rich person do not come to speak about a pleasant air to the poor without some good reason. It knows that I have gold; therefore he greets me so gracefully.

But already then, Plaute plays, to make laugh the spectator, on the artificiality of theatrical convention:

MÉGADORE. - By Pollux! if you have a reasonable heart, you have what it is necessary to be happy.

EUCLION, with share . - Yes, the old woman made known to him my treasure. The thing is sure; it is clear. Ah! I will cut you the language and will tear off you the eyes.

MÉGADORE. - Why do you speak there all alone?

References

dramatic Dictionary of Chamfort and the Door, Paris, at Lacombe, 1776. Electronic version published on the cesar.org site, by Barry Russel, foreword of Nathalie Rizzoni

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