This
set design is for scene two in Brecht’s “Mother Courage” which takes place
inside the general’s tent. The design concept behind the set is the idea of the
timelessness of war. For that reason
design elements from a variety of time periods and geographic locations have
been included to show that war and conflict have happened throughout the world
and history.
In the
design most of the stage is under fabric which is suspended above the stage to
represent the general’s tent. The
fabric is a deep purple which has historically been associated with European
monarchy, who fought in countless wars, bleeding their respective countries dry
for land, resources, or to save their own crowns. Hanging down from the tent is
a transparent section of fabric that
separates stage left and stage right which have been fashioned into a kitchen
set-up stage right(where Mother Courage works), and the general’s office stage
left. The transparent divider physically separates the two sections to show the
distinct positions of high ranking military officials versus the somewhat lowly
positions of military cooks and attendants; however its material is transparent
to show that the two sides are still very aware of the presence of the other
and are still somewhat dependent on the other.
In the
kitchen set-up three distinct time periods are represented in its design. The
walls are covered in tan striped
wallpaper which is a classic element from 1970s home design. The neutral
colors also harken back to the natural elements necessary in a kitchen. The metallic pots, though a contemporary
staple in kitchens, first appeared during the Bronze Age and thus recognize its
rich history that was also touched by war. The stove is a retro piece from 1950s Americana design.The stage left
section of the general’s tent also has three distinct elements from periods in
time. The silk screen wallpaper is
from representative of Chinese silk that was traded on the Silk Road. Another
use of silk is in the general’s luxurious seat,
except this style comes from 18th century France and the court of
Louis XIV. Attached to a panel on stage left is an animal skin that comes from
the design of medieval gathering/banquet halls.
Above
the suspended tent is a giant clock
styled like a Victorian pocket watch that literally stares down at the stage
and audience, giving a visual representation of the passing of time and
continuation of war. Another element of time comes in the form of the sign post, downstage right, which
literally signposts the audience through projections which show the name of the
proceeding scene and the upcoming scene as well as the time remaining in the
production. The money on the table
in the general’s office represents the corrupt wealth that comes with war. To
bring home the idea of the timelessness of war a speaker on the back wall of the stage will constantly be
broadcasting snippets of radio broadcasts of current affairs and wars. By using
the current news the audience will realize that war is happening now and will
continue to happen unless something is changed.
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