The Art of Pinter’s Pause: Tips for Actors
Harold Pinter’s plays are famous for their silences and pauses, which are just as important as the words themselves. These moments create tension, reveal subtext, and shape the rhythm of his work. For actors, mastering “Pinter’s pause” is a critical skill that requires focus, intention, and precision. Here’s how to bring those pauses to life and use them to elevate your performance.
Why Pinter’s Pauses Matter
In Pinter’s plays, pauses are never empty. They’re packed with meaning, allowing the audience to glimpse a character’s inner world or sense the power dynamics in a scene. These pauses:
Build suspense and keep the audience engaged.
Reflect the unspoken thoughts and emotions of the characters.
Highlight the ambiguity and tension that define Pinter’s world.
Treat each pause as an opportunity to reveal something about your character or the relationship between them and others on stage.
Understand the Different Pauses
Pinter was meticulous in his use of pauses and silences, distinguishing between the two in his scripts:
Pause: A brief break in the dialogue, often filled with tension or reflection.
Silence: A longer, more deliberate moment where time seems to stop.
As an actor, you need to understand the function of each in your scene. A pause might indicate hesitation or calculation, while a silence might signal a deeper emotional or psychological shift.
What to Do During a Pause
Pinter’s pauses are not about doing nothing—they’re about active presence. Here’s how to use them effectively:
Stay in character: Even in silence, your character is alive and thinking. Use the pause to process their emotions or calculate their next move.
Focus on your objective: Consider what your character is trying to achieve in the moment and how the pause fits into their strategy.
Engage with your scene partner: Pauses often shift the power dynamic. Use your body language and eye contact to maintain or challenge control in the scene.
Use the Pause to Reveal Subtext
In Pinter’s plays, what isn’t said is often more important than what is. The pause provides space for the audience to sense the unspoken.
What’s being withheld? Consider what your character might be avoiding or concealing.
What’s the tension? Pauses can highlight conflict, vulnerability, or emotional distance.
What changes in the pause? A well-executed pause can mark a turning point in the scene, shifting the balance of power or deepening the stakes.
Control the Rhythm
Pinter’s plays have a unique rhythm, and the pauses are an essential part of it. They create a natural ebb and flow that mirrors real-life conversations while amplifying dramatic tension.
Don’t rush: Let the pauses breathe. Resist the urge to fill the silence prematurely.
Stay grounded: Maintain physical and emotional stillness to let the moment resonate.
Feel the timing: Pinter’s pauses have a musicality to them. Trust the script and your instincts to find the right tempo.
Collaborate with Your Director
Pauses are collaborative moments between the actor, director, and scene partners. Work with your director to ensure the pauses serve the overall vision of the production. Experiment with the timing and intention behind each pause to maximise its impact.
Practical Exercises for Mastering the Pause
Pause with a Purpose: Take a short section of Pinter’s dialogue and focus on the pauses. What is your character doing or thinking during each break?
Silent Improv: Practice scenes without dialogue, relying on body language and pauses to communicate.
Watch and Learn: Study performances of Pinter’s plays by actors known for their mastery of his style. Observe how they use pauses to create tension and subtext.
Example from The Homecoming
Consider this moment from The Homecoming:
Max: “What have you done with the scissors?”
(Pause)
Lenny: “I gave them to you.”
The pause here isn’t just about Max searching for the scissors—it’s a power play. Max’s frustration and Lenny’s cool response create a simmering tension that underscores their relationship. As an actor, use the pause to show how your character feels about the accusation and what they’re withholding.
Why Pinter’s Pause Is a Gift for Actors
Mastering Pinter’s pauses is a skill that will enhance your ability to convey subtext, build tension, and create memorable performances. These silences are moments of dramatic opportunity, offering insight into your character’s inner world and the dynamics of the scene.
Approach each pause with intention and curiosity, and you’ll unlock the brilliance of Pinter’s plays. Ready to tackle a Pinter script? Let the pauses speak as loudly as the words—and watch your performance come to life.
