As we find ourselves plunging toward tech and dress rehearsals (and reminding ourselves to stay calm and positive all the while), we finally have the experience of seeing for ourselves what this production is going to look like. All of us bring a different set of eyes to this production, and of course, those eyes operate from such a different vantage point than the audience. And, spending so much time inside the theater lately, I am truly beginning to appreciate the differences between the design of the actual theater building, and a set and costume design for a particular production. The design of a theater building often embodies past lives and purposes. As you may know, the space where we perform our plays for you was originally designed for firefighters and the horses who helped them climb the surrounding hills. It seems odd that the fire station became our Portland Actor’s Conservatory. However, maybe this was simply foreshadowing for our production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in which Puck chases the Mechanicals about the wood sometimes as a horse, a hound, a hog, a headless bear, and sometimes a FIRE! Ok it’s a bit of a stretch, but it was a good segue.
I suspect that more than any other Shakespeare production, set design for a Midsummer Night's Dream has ranged the widest, from the sublime to the bizarre. One sublime photo from 1936 gives us this:
I suspect that more than any other Shakespeare production, set design for a Midsummer Night's Dream has ranged the widest, from the sublime to the bizarre. One sublime photo from 1936 gives us this:
This set (above) was the genius of Paul Shelving in 1936. Shelving (1888-1968) was a prolific artist, and designed for forty years for the Birmingham Repertory Theater and for the Shakespeare Theater in Stratford-upon-Avon. The aspect of set design and costumes is so important with this particular production because Shakespeare’s whimsical cunning is at full force. The world he embraces us in is magical and filled with a deep sense of intrigue and mythology. For obvious reasons, visuals are an extremely important component in telling this story, and in making the ever-important connection with the audience, who ideally will also be embracing this magical world.
The range of visual interpretations and styling of MSND is quite broad.
On the other side of the spectrum from Shelving, and perhaps the other side of the universe, we have that lovable weirdo and accomplished social deviant Salvador Dali. Pictured above is his work for a production of MSND in 1946. This photograph was taken by Philippe Halsman. Now, legend has it that Dali was heavily influenced by P.L. Travers’ Mary Poppins. Well, maybe this is not a widely-known legend. Okay, I actually made up the Mary Poppins connection, but it seems possible doesn’t it? And to my credit, I have completely avoided making one single joke here about sheep.
I must admit that I am a huge fan of fashion and interior settings, and this has propelled my excitement for this subject. I am actually looking forward to working with the costumes. I was thrilled when I first saw the stage model design by Tim Stapleton, and seeing it come to life has been truly exciting. As I put aside anxiety, thereby leaving room for creative input and the joy of working in this insane profession, I find myself truly excited to share our creation with all of you.
Now, I cannot divulge to you here any of the details of the set which will encompass your experience in seeing our play. But, here is a secret: You can find every detail of it... by clicking on the button below and getting your tickets! And by all means, tell them I sent you!
I must admit that I am a huge fan of fashion and interior settings, and this has propelled my excitement for this subject. I am actually looking forward to working with the costumes. I was thrilled when I first saw the stage model design by Tim Stapleton, and seeing it come to life has been truly exciting. As I put aside anxiety, thereby leaving room for creative input and the joy of working in this insane profession, I find myself truly excited to share our creation with all of you.
Now, I cannot divulge to you here any of the details of the set which will encompass your experience in seeing our play. But, here is a secret: You can find every detail of it... by clicking on the button below and getting your tickets! And by all means, tell them I sent you!