RB Design Long Question Flashcards
Lighting and Sound: Scene 1
Scene 1: (Dream-like scene)
Star cloth
Blue wash at 40%
60% pool of straw light on Alem and Father downstage left
Crickets chirping to start scene = setting FADE as they talk
Soft classical music as they look at stars?
Thunder in the distance at the end? (foreshadowing)
Lighting and Sound: Scene 2
Scene 2: (Hostel)
Warm Bedside lamp - side lighting
30% Steel wash (imitating natural lighting)
Harsh 70% steel spotlight to follow Alem (feeling chased/threatened)
Sound of hammering on the door
Noises from neighbouring rooms
Rain outside? (fits mood)
Lighting and Sound: Original production
Projections were used for the backdrop; eg. a black sky with scattered stars, as well as drifting snowflakes.
Sound used to create warzone in Ethiopia/Eritrea + soft music underscored more peaceful scenes
Staging / Set and Props: Scene 9
(Set and Props)
Due to it being a court environment, there may be an elevated judge’s upstage right Also could be a clear podium (enhance the court setting.) that is downstage to symbolize the important moment and to focus the audience’s attention to Alem as he speaks, also show the importance of his speech even though he speaks quickly and rushes through it.
There also could be two tables on each side of the podium downstage right and left for the witnesses , yet placed slightly behind the podium to give levels yet also show the podium’s importance with Alem.
The table could be a dark wooden colour (either painted or if it was actual wood could be Mahogany )to reflect the seriousness of the environment.
Staging / Set and Props: Scene 9
(Sound)
Sound of people murmuring in the background as an indicator of mood in the courtroom - could get louder and more off-putting after Alem trails off into Amharic (after his speech) and when he says that he doesn’t “want to stay here”. Could become fully silent when he says he has something to say, but after he mentions Christmas, the whispering could become more confused and increadulous.
Staging of Original Production =
The play has an episodic structure, with elements of realism. In the original production, at the Courtyard theatre, an end on stage was used with a solid but adaptable set.
Different types of Stages + effect =
In the round + Thrust space = Increases intimacy + sense of community = audience’s heightened sympathy
Proscenium arch = Mirrors Alem’s alienation
Traverse = Reflects Alem’s journey and conflict
Staging / Set and Props: Scene 6
(Set and Props)
Large Pine Table, with a navy and white chequered tablecloth. On top of the table, a vase of fake flowers (winter) with cutlery laid out.
Staging / Set and Props: Scene 6
(Sound)
Domestic sounds = cutlery clinking, chairs scraping etc.
Urban noises = cars going by, children laughing , neighbours.
Sounds from appliances = clock ticking, squeaking/beeping from appliances eg. washine machine
