Stage Design

Question 1

What is a good way of summarising stage ?

Answer 1

It is an integral to the expressionistic style which reflect the YM inner physiological world

Question 2

How should the set be ?

Answer 2

Minimalist and abstract with a focus on the emotion and relationships that are conveyed through the scenery

Question 3

What do you need to show an understanding of ?

Answer 3

Period, culture and context
- 1920s Wall Street crash, post world war, Ruth Snyder, speakeasy’s

Production style
- expressionism and how it impacts the set and props

Set
- how it conveys themes, expressionism, adhering to tread wells intentions

Question 4

What should you consider for set design?

Answer 4

Shape, material, location, positions, audiance configuration, colour, motifs, dynamics of space of the actors

Question 5

What is expressionistic design ?

Answer 5

• intentionally sparse using symbolic, geometric shapes and mechanical elements to reflect mechanicalisation of society and YM physiological entrapment
• large repetitive objects such as clocks, machinery, stark lighting representing the feeling of entrapment in an oppressive world
• lack of naturalism focuses audience attention on physiological and emotional state of a character rather than external world

Question 6

What is an overview of the set design ?

Answer 6

• Proscenium arch stage with a thrust apron (all of her outbursts take place there) as if the audiance are looking into the young woman’s conscience
• cyclorama curved black wall for images to be projected onto such as city scapes
• angular/ distorted shapes pulled into the stage to become tables or beds
• platforms for scenes to represent apartment and office areas or positions of power

Question 7

What is the set design for episode 1: to business ?

Answer 7

• 5 tables USL/R, DSL/R, CSL/R with cast brining on their own stools except YM’s (highlights disjointed and draws attention to absence)
• cast bring on filing cabinet, switch board and adding machine (type righters attached to three of the desks) it’s the machine
• on wheels for seamless transitions
• raised platform which Johes walks across symbolic of power and blocks out window( the YW freedom)

Question 8

What is the set design for episode 2: At Home ?

Answer 8

• remaining desk 2 form a kitchen table in centre stage
• filling cabinet with hand props such as rubber gloves and cutlery (work pervades into everyday life)
• Gingham tablecloth to show change in setting
• ## metal stools- uncomfortable- setting mimics conversation

Question 9

What is the set design for episode 3: Honeymoon ?

Answer 9

• Large oversized mahogany bed domination the stage with pristine white bedding and pillows ( centre stage) but it looks unwelcoming, main focus of Helen to avoid
• stool for chair making intimate moment uncomfortable and unnatural- forced not romantic
• doors lead to bathroom

Question 10

What is the set design for episode 4: maternal ?

Answer 10

• white hospital curtain surrounding bed that is wheeled on
• Gauze Infront of the scene, distanced and medical/ unsettling atmosphere (audience forced into same situation as Young Woman alienated from surroundings in uncomfortable environment/ distance similar to the emotions of YM to the child)
• jones speaks from a raised platform without pulling curtain back ( distanced)

Question 11

What is the set design for episode 5?

Answer 11

• Treadwell’s intention for this scene: dramatic costume change can be mirrored in set
• Piano wheeled onto USL and three tables CSL/R US/C: red table clothes over each one- prohibited
• heavy hand props: glasses, cigarette cases, lighter, ashtrays, emphasis they are carrying out prohibited actions (contextual)

Question 12

What is the set design for episode 6?

Answer 12

• contrast to episode 3/4 this atmosphere feels far more inviting
• Oversized large bed CS with cozy pillows and a large blanket over the top of the pair- this is everything she wants
• piano turned around brought downstage with Lilly vase on top draws audiences attention to this- freedom is on the forefront of the young woman’s mind moreover foreshadows the murder

Question 13

What is the set design for episode 7?

Answer 13

• whole set changes apart from the piano and the Lilly which are brought up stage to centre stage (physical reminder of affair and is next to where moon light shines in highlighting it to audience)
• door is behind the divan so the Husband is blocking her escape
• thrust can be used for her meltdown outer and inner reality collides
• 1920s telephone= contextual setting

Question 14

What is the set design for episode 8 ?

Answer 14

• Judge is wheeled onto stage on a raise podium: power and authority
• Young Woman on chair facing the audience: vulnerable and less power
• Prosecution stand on centre stage left and stage right
• cord with two posts at each end of the thrust blocking the audience: feel as thought they are watching an actual trial

Question 15

What is the set design for episode 9?

Answer 15

• bars are lowered using a fly system physically separating the YM from the audience+ overwhelming atmosphere authoritarian control +intimidating