Understanding the Historical and Stylistic Elements in The Kitchen

1. What is ‘style’? A reflection of the social and political history of the times that are eventually reflected in the patterns and shifting artistic trends of the period.

2. Production Style: A manner of producing a play in which all production elements (costumes, scenery, lights, acting) adhere to a common set of artistic/philosophical characteristics (e.g. Expressionism) What is the pattern of elements in this rendering for The Kitchen?

3. The problem with style…. Periods in art/history are only indicative – not definitive Cannot represent historical periods or styles accurately onstage Designers are from the modern era and reflect their background Audience expectations won’t allow accuracy The Solution: Stylization!!! Use of specific compositional elements characteristic of a particular style or period to create the essence of that style or period.

4. More issues with style…. Acknowledge the literary style of the piece. Verse vs. prose Visual style can reflect the literary style of the drama

5. Dimension – length & width Quality – shape, value, contrast Character – emotionally evocative characteristics Elements of Design: Line Line: A mark that connects two points. Line can have….

6. Elements of Design: Shape Any line that encloses a space creates a shape. Shapes define the outlines of details and silhouettes onstage, giving meaning to what we see!

7. Flat mass with no weight Beginnings of mass due to shadow 3D relationship Elements of Design: Mass MASS Three-dimensional manifestation of shape… …creates an awareness of depth and spatial arrangements

8. Elements of Design: Measure The ability to judge the size of objects and the relative distance between them w/out the aid of measuring devices Intuitive skill

9. Elements of Design: Position What does position indicate in relation to this design? Relative location of adjacent shapes or masses

10. Elements of Design: Color One of the most complex elements – See Chapter 6 for more information

11. Elements of Design: Texture The visual tactile surface characteristics or appearance of an object

12. Elements of Design: Texture The primary element creating texture is fabric… …texture can be created with light using gobos Gobo: A thin metal template inserted into an ellipsoidal reflector spotlight to project a shadow pattern of light

13. Principles of Composition: Unity The creation of a stylistic plan to which all parts of the design subscribe. Production concept = Conceptual plan

14. Principles of Composition: Harmony Sense of blending and unity that is obtained when all elements of the design fit together to create an orderly whole… Be aware that too much harmony can become monotonous…

15. Principles of Composition: Contrast Juxtaposition of dissimilar design elements Be aware that too much contrast can destroy unity…

16. Create visual interest by repeating a simple pattern but changing it occasionally Principles of Composition: Variation How is variation created in these patterns?

17. Principles of Composition: Balance Symmetrical balance – correspondence in size, form, and relative position of parts on either side of a center dividing line – mirror balance Arranging design elements to give a sense of restfulness, stability, or equilibrium Asymmetrical balance – a sense of equality achieved through dynamic tension created by the juxtaposition of dissimilar design elements

18. Principles of Composition: Proportion Harmonious relationship of the parts of an object to each other or to the whole The idea of beauty is based on ideal proportions

19. Principles of Composition: Emphasis Directing the audience’s attention to a specific place… Where is the emphasis in this production image? How is that emphasis created? …such areas of focus are also known as acting areas

20. Design Analysis of The Kitchen Unity Harmony Contrast Variation Balance Proportion Emphasis Apply the concepts from this lecture to this image.