Thursday, 4 July 2013

Paragraph


                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.

No comments:

Post a Comment