Musicals and Sexual Tension
Sexual tension is an integral part of storytelling in musical theatre that serves to develop the plot and characters. It can be used to create romantic subplots between leads, add humor, and provide dramatic tension.
It's important to define what constitutes "sexual tension." In its simplest form, it refers to the emotional energy created when two people are attracted to each other but cannot act on their desires due to some external factor. This could be social norms, fear of rejection, or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. When this tension builds up, it creates suspense for the audience, who may wonder if and how the characters will eventually resolve it.
One way that musicals incorporate sexual tension is through the interaction between the lead characters.
In "Hamilton," Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schuyler have palpable chemistry from the moment they meet. Their relationship becomes more complicated as Hamilton pursues her while also dealing with political intrigue and family drama. As the show progresses, the sexual tension grows until they finally consummate their feelings. This helps to propel the plot forward and deepen the character arcs of both protagonists.
Another example is found in "West Side Story." Maria and Tony's forbidden love story provides a major source of tension throughout the show. They must keep their relationship secret from Tony's gang, who would not approve of him dating someone from a rival group. The tension increases as they try to find ways to see each other despite obstacles, culminating in a violent confrontation. The resolution of this tension allows them to come together and overcome their differences, which serves as an important turning point for the narrative.
Sexual tension can also be used for comedic effect. In "The Producers," Leo Bloom and Max Bialystock are two failing producers who team up to create a Broadway flop so they can embezzle money from investors. Along the way, they encounter Ulla, a Swedish bombshell who tempts them with her sex appeal. This provides much-needed levity amidst the absurdity of their scheme, adding humor to the otherwise serious plot.
Musicals use sexual tension to add depth and complexity to characters.
In "Rent," Maureen and Joanne are shown to have a tumultuous history that includes a brief affair with one another. Their past relationship adds layers to their current dynamic, making it more complex and nuanced. Similarly, in "Les Miserables," Eponine has unrequited feelings for Marius, which causes her to take drastic action to save him during the uprising. These examples demonstrate how sexual tension can reveal hidden aspects of character motivations and desires.
Sexual tension is a powerful tool that helps develop plots and characters in musical theatre. It creates suspense, adds comedy, and deepens relationships between characters. By incorporating it into their storytelling, writers can create richer, more engaging works of art.
How do musicals incorporate sexual tension to develop character and narrative arcs?
Incorporating sexual tension is an essential aspect of developing characters and plotlines in musical theatre. It allows for deeper exploration of relationships between characters and can lead to significant turning points in the story. One way that musicals incorporate this element is through physical contact, such as dancing or touching, which can convey romantic or intimate feelings between characters without explicitly stating them.