The Cambridge Introduction to Scenography [Paperback]

An invaluable introduction for students to the purpose and scope of scenography, its theories and concepts, pioneers and future potential.What is scenography, and how can it enhance our understanding of theatrical events? Who are the key scenographic innovators, and how does scenography provide contemporary perspectives on classic texts? Addressing these questions, and many more, this book introduces readers to this key topic, its theories, pioneers and future potential.What is scenography, and how can it enhance our understanding of theatrical events? Who are the key scenographic innovators, and how does scenography provide contemporary perspectives on classic texts? Addressing these questions, and many more, this book introduces readers to this key topic, its theories, pioneers and future potential.Scenography  the manipulation and orchestration of the performance environment  is an increasingly popular and key area in performance studies. This book introduces the reader to the purpose, identity and scope of scenography and its theories and concepts. Settings and structures, light, projected images, sound, costumes and props are considered in relation to performing bodies, text, space and the role of the audience. Concentrating on scenographic developments in the twentieth century, the Introduction examines how these continue to evolve in the twenty-first century. Scenographic principles are clearly explained through practical examples and their theoretical context. Although acknowledging the many different ways in which design shapes the creation of scenography, the book is not exclusively concerned with the role of the theatre designer. In order to map out the wider territory and potential of scenography, the theories of pioneering scenographers are discussed alongside the work of directors, writers and visual artists.Preface; Part I. Elements: 1. What is scenography?; 2. Twentieth-century pioneers of scenography; Part II. Processes of Scenography: 3. Text as lƒ