Context:
There was an overall design for the stage shape for the RSC 2004 Tragedies season; this had a straight front to the stage as opposed to the curve which was there previously. Each production had to fit its design to this overall shape. For Macbeth this stage shape, with its squarer feel, contributed to the blunt masculine strength of the play.
The production design needs to consider practicalities, like exits, entrances and the way the action needs to work and also abstracts such as the use of texture or colour to create atmosphere. In this production a dark-grey tone was used to create a feeling of harshness.
Most designers create a model box for the production which helps to guide the workshop manufacture of the set. Designer and director must be able to communicate ideas easily so that the onstage world will support and enhance the action. |
