The Shoe-Horn Sonata is a play written by John Misto in 1996. It is a powerful and poignant examination of the experiences of two women, Bridie and Sheila, who were prisoners of war (POWs) during World War II in a Japanese internment camp in Sumatra. The play is structured around a series of flashbacks, as Bridie and Sheila recount their experiences in the camp to a group of students.
One of the key techniques used in The Shoe-Horn Sonata is the use of music. Throughout the play, music is used to evoke a range of emotions, from joy and hope to despair and sadness. For example, the use of the song "I'll Be Seeing You" helps to establish the close bond between Bridie and Sheila, and serves as a poignant reminder of their shared experiences in the camp. The use of music also helps to create a sense of nostalgia and longing, as Bridie and Sheila look back on their past and reflect on the hardships they faced.
Another technique used in The Shoe-Horn Sonata is the use of lighting and stage design. The play uses a minimalist set, with few props and simple lighting, which helps to focus the audience's attention on the actors and their performances. The use of dim, flickering lights helps to create a sense of unease and tension, particularly during the scenes set in the camp. Similarly, the use of bright, harsh lighting serves to highlight the contrast between the harsh realities of life in the camp and the memories of happier times that Bridie and Sheila share.
The Shoe-Horn Sonata also makes use of dramatic irony, as the audience is aware of events that the characters are not. For example, Bridie is unaware that Sheila has died, and this knowledge adds an extra layer of poignancy to their conversations and memories. This technique helps to create a sense of emotional depth and complexity, and allows the audience to connect more deeply with the characters.
Finally, The Shoe-Horn Sonata makes use of monologues and soliloquies to give the audience a deeper insight into the thoughts and feelings of the characters. For example, Bridie's monologue about her experiences in the camp helps to convey the full extent of the horrors that she and Sheila faced, and the strength of character that they needed to survive. Similarly, Sheila's soliloquy about her feelings of guilt and regret adds a layer of emotional complexity to her character and helps the audience to understand her motivations.
Overall, The Shoe-Horn Sonata is a powerful and poignant examination of the experiences of POWs during World War II. Its use of music, lighting and stage design, dramatic irony, and monologues and soliloquies all help to create a rich and emotionally resonant experience for the audience.
