If Trifles by Susan Glaspell was proposed to be mounted as an LSU lab show, but with a very minimalist design, it may actually add creative freedom to each individual audience member. I think that without definite colors, styles, patterns, etc. to the set and costumes the production will be more "abstract" (as used in the prompt) and relieve the show of boundaries.
I think it is easier to visualize and still enjoy a stripped down show as someone like myself who has never seen a live production of Trifles, but have only read the script and imagined it. Much easier than someone who has sat in the audience of a fully mounted naturalistic production. A show with an "empty" set will indeed leave the audience to concentrate on the acting, language, and emotion.
I think that a production of Trifles with no physical and visible props can enhance the idea that only Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters can see the clues and link the crime to Mrs. Wright. However, for some audience members it would make it difficult to understand and to stay engaged in a show with such circumstances.
I STRONGLY agree with your last statement! It would be difficult for an audience member to stay engaged without any physical props! I am one of those people, that if something does not have anything to absorb my visual and listening attention, then it becomes especially hard for me to focus and receive the message. I like your point that using this approach would enhance the idea that only Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Wright can see the clues laying out Mrs. Wright’s crime. I did not even think to consider this single benefit in having the production staged this way.
ReplyDeleteYou're the first person to post on the minimalist design in a completely positive manner. Pretty much every post I've read (granted I've only read like 5 or 6) has had a mixed reaction to taking an abstract approach to the play. I like how you also mentioned that making the play more abstract would emphasize that only Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters can see the clues, that's a pretty cool concept too.
ReplyDelete