Sunday, January 11, 2009
Sets take center stage, not spotlight
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "'Scene design is a very practical art,' says Gianni Downs, who has designed sets for area companies that include Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre, City Theatre and Prime Stage Theatre and is a special faculty member in scenic design in the Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama."
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6 comments:
I have been looking forward to the opening of "Metamorphosis" for months now. The challenge of an environmental set is that it lends itself to spectacle. I am pleased to hear that this production is aware of that pitfall and will downplay the use of a giant pool onstage. I am curious to see whether or not they are successful. I am particularly curious how the production was able to raise the funds for such an expensive set, esp. in the middle of an economic downturn. Perhaps the novelty of water onstage will draw large audiences.
This article makes an interesting comment on design and technical theater in general. Most often, our greatest triumphs are designed not to draw attention to themselves and our failures are what everyone sees. Technical aspects of theater are, like the article says, supposed to enhance the production, not dominate it. In my mind if someone says, that was a nice light cue, the designer has not done their job well.
This arguement about "invisibility" is one of the leading arguements against using technology in the arts, but if, like in Metamorphosis, the technology is integrated well enough into the show, no one will notice. It is only because of our inexperience with the technology that we are afraid of it.
I had no idea that the public was doing "Metamorphosis" - also - with James Noone designing. I agree that the show should not be about the pool - but it certainly will be interesting to see how the designer and director choose to augment their set.
I think that this is true for any aspect of dramatic theater. We want the audience to really follow and believe the story, and if the audience is being constantly wowed second after second by the special effects, whether that be scenic, lighting or even sound elements, the audience will not be able to effectively follow the story. One would assume that the majority of the audience comes to the theater to see a story, to become part of that world for 2 or so hours out of their day. If they are distracted, then they are taken out of that world.
I think that it is great to try and pull off a show in a "pool". To move the play away from the physical set will be very hard for this show. Also, technically speaking, its very hard to build and maintain for many shows a pool of water on/in the stage. I hope they are successful, it will look awesome.
This is a very surprising article to me, at least from my slightly "less art-supportive" hometown in the south. Typically articles focus on the spectacle of a design if it's worth mentioning at all; and, while this does the same, it also makes talk of how the design is meant NOT to be intrusive and over-powering. Very interesting perspective.
I can't wait to see this show. And, I know I'll be focusing more on the set and lighting, rather than the actors, but that's just how I am. I'm anxious to gauge how over-powering the set is or isn't.
Kudos also to Gianni for making it in the article too! :)
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