Help with translation for a word ?

[AmbreaTaddy]

Hi !
I'm writing this really specific scene with specific jargon that I don't know the translation for (if it even exists !), so I need a bit of help from artsy people.

If you ever went to a live show composed of various parts, you should know this.

You know, when you see a dance performance with a specific theme, with a lot of different dancers, and then the song end, the dancers exit the stage, they change the lighting or something like that, and a new song starts with dancers in new costumes.

Each of these different parts with a different theme is called a 'tableau' (painting) in french. Each time you change the dancers, the song, or the background, it's a different tableau.

What's the name for that in english ? Is it also 'painting' ?

 

[Daitengu]

Dunno about dancers, but in live rock/pop band concerts, a band plays a "set", then "turnover" to another band.

Then there's plays, that has 'acts' which are divided into scenes, and "intermissions" in between acts for prop setups.

Looked up Ballet, and it's also acts with intermissions. Atleast in English.

 

[AmbreaTaddy]

Dunno about dancers, but in live rock/pop band concerts, a band plays a "set", then "turnover" to another band.

Then there's plays, that has 'acts' and "remissions" in between acts for prop setups.

Yes, I know about that. But 'act' is when the two parts are from the same story, tableau is two different things put in the same performance. It's hard to explain ^^"

 

[Dec]

In English, the term "tableau" is actually used in theater and dance as well, though it's not as commonly known outside of performance circles. However, depending on the context, you might also call it a "scene", "act", "set piece" or "number" (especially in musical theater and dance performances).

If it's a dance performance specifically, the most natural term would likely be "number" (as in "the next number in the show"), or "scene" if there's a narrative element involved. "Segment" or "section" could also work in more general terms.

If you're aiming for a more artistic or classical feel, "tableau" is still an acceptable choice in English tho.

 

[Daitengu]

In English, the term "tableau" is actually used in theater and dance as well, though it's not as commonly known outside of performance circles. However, depending on the context, you might also call it a "scene", "act", "set piece" or "number" (especially in musical theater and dance performances).

Definitely "number" is quite common to divide performances.

Yes, I know about that. But 'act' is when the two parts are from the same story, tableau is two different things put in the same performance. It's hard to explain ^^"

It really is. Though, you can just use the French word, since English if full of loaned French and most likely get away with it.

In English Tableau is when dancers pause to create a still image scene for dramatic effect.(mostly)

 

[AmbreaTaddy]

Thanks, both of you !

 

[ElijahRyne]

Hi !
I'm writing this really specific scene with specific jargon that I don't know the translation for (if it even exists !), so I need a bit of help from artsy people.

If you ever went to a live show composed of various parts, you should know this.

You know, when you see a dance performance with a specific theme, with a lot of different dancers, and then the song end, the dancers exit the stage, they change the lighting or something like that, and a new song starts with dancers in new costumes.

Each of these different parts with a different theme is called a 'tableau' (painting) in french. Each time you change the dancers, the song, or the background, it's a different tableau.

What's the name for that in english ? Is it also 'painting' ?

Here where I live it is just called a set change, but these terms are quite regional. Typically the French or Italian word is the universal, so tableau is probably fine enough.

 

[CharlesEBrown]

I think in dance you are more likely to see the Italian terms than the French ones, and am unaware of any English ones - but the French ones are fairly common, just less common than the Italian (sadly, I only remember the one for Intermission, and am not quite sure of the spelling - Intermezzo I think - not for the break between sets).
I believe - it's been about 30 years since I did anything at all with that sector (and that was just basic training in a theater arts class).


Oh - BUT... but... if your story is set in France (or Quebec) with French (or Quebecois) characters, then, by all means, use the French terms and if you're concerned that the reader might not understand them, put an explanation in the Author's Notes or Glossary.