Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Reading Response: Richard Foreman as Scenographer

Richard Foreman is a man that envisions a symbiosis amongst the several elements of a piece that he can translate through his designs. Critiques and patrons of theater have considered his work a mixture of surrealism, dada, futurism, heavily emphasized through symbolism. He envisions a set where the authors mind is morphed by the elements encompassing the stage. His designs express simplicity without using cliche models. Foreman likes to use frames to express the film reel like lives we see everyday. Those mind frames of thought he wishes to express are done by creating a space on stage expressing layers. These layers represent the complexities of everyday life.

Foreman takes a script for what it is and tries to personify its themes and conflicts with not only the actors and props but what those props do to leave an impression on the audience. He mentions the space between the stage and the 4th wall; he wishes to create an ever changing environment that can somehow mesh the show into the audience's reality. His use of string on stage shows how the layers interconnect and create the connections between every aspect of the stage. His "why not" methods show his Dada influence and how it turns the stage into a representation of the thought processes of the mind.


Perspective is also a huge influence in Foreman's designs; he likes to use the space to highlight scenes that express the perspective characters have on stage. Ultimately, Foreman wishes to have a space the could conform to his current mind set. His attention to aesthetics is shown by the materials like Plexiglas, string, colors, in his productions. The props he uses stir up and energy that creates a pull on the audience; to direct their gaze of the stage in line with the events unfolding the play. That energy is his goal to mediate. Not only does this enhance the affects of the play on the audience, but appeals to the audiences eye; an accomplishment that keeps the audience focused throughout the entire show.

1 comment:

  1. Still wanting you guys to turn on the 'follow' feature on your blog it makes finding extra credit so much easier.

    Al

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