The Discourse of Stage Directions. A Revised Typology

Abstract

Stage directions are one of the most studied components of the dramatic text. Nevertheless, there is currently no consensus about their distinctive linguistic characteristics and their role in the meaning construction process. After reviewing the traditional definitions of stage directions, this article aims to identify the specific nature of these expressions and their particular attributes. In order to achieve this objective, we present a taxonomy that addresses the diversity of usages and meanings that these statements provide. In particular, we distinguish between didascalias paratextuales, estructurales, generales, atributivas and particulares. The morpho-syntactic properties of these subtypes and their functions are explained by using examples of representative plays from different theatrical aesthetics. Finally, and regarding the theoretical footing, this paper applies the Enfoque dialógico de la argumentación y la polifonía enunciativa (Caldiz, 2019; García Negroni, 2016a; 2016b; 2018a; 2018b; 2019; García Negroni and Libenson, 2018; 2019) as framework.