Original Production – Berkoff
Production 1 (Philip Engleheart.com)
2 –Icelandic Production – Lyric Hammersmith 20
3- Dance Production – Royal Opera House – UK
Berkoff’s acting style and his design of sets has often been described as “Expressionistic”.
German Expressionism in cinema (take some notes in your Journal) – what can be translated into a theater style?
Look at the 3 pictures and identify the ‘expressionistic’ elements of the set.
Pick 2 moments EACH where these ‘expressionistic elements’ could be used in the play ‘METAMORPHOSIS’
How can symbols and emotions be represented on a set ?- think Gregor’s Room – The Samsa’s living room – what do these places symbolise – how do you show that in materials, colours, set dressing and props?
Identify the 4 different design jobs that could come up in the exam.
Why is EACH aspect of design necessary? [What does it do for the audience or production?] SPEND A FEW MINS CONSIDERING EACH.
FUNCTIONAL design – ?
EXPRESSIVE design – ?
What is the difference?
List as much specialist vocab as you can to help when discussing EACH design area. (E.g: spotlights, cue, instrumental sound, backdrops, etc)
Where/How could it be used in the play? [Find 3 moments where a design element would really help the story telling – eg: when Gregor finally opens the door a shaft of light can pour into the living room.]
(Explain it) Draw the set and label it on plain A4 paper and stick in.
Justify it (using Berkoff’s own words and yours)
Set location (upstage etc)
Style: Expressionistic / Naturalistic / Non-naturalistic
Set construction:
Set dressing (things you add to the basic structure (shelves, pictures etc)
Cyclorama (white cloth across back of stage – for lights to be projected against.
Shadow screen
Gauze (material that is transparent if a light is shone from behind but which is opaque if light is shone from in front (can be painted or projected upon)