DOI

Abstract

Silence in theatre is often as powerful as dialogue, serving as a tool for tension, subtext, and emotional depth. This paper explores the role of silence as a dramatic device in contemporary theatre, analyzing its impact on character development, audience perception, and narrative progression. Drawing from notable playwrights such as Harold Pinter, Samuel Beckett, and Sarah Kane, this study examines how silence conveys meaning beyond words, reinforcing themes of alienation, power struggles, and existential dread. Through a comparative analysis of selected plays, the paper highlights the strategic use of pauses and non-verbal communication to intensify dramatic effect. The findings suggest that silence, when deliberately structured, can heighten suspense, create ambiguity, and evoke profound emotional responses. By reassessing the significance of silence in modern dramaturgy, this study contributes to a broader understanding of theatrical language and its evolving aesthetics in contemporary performance.

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