Context:
Props may be pieces of stage furniture or personal items used
by an actor; the defining quality is that it can be moved.
The size, structure, colour and age of an object will all
contribute to the feeling it creates and a prop must be accurate
in detail to the time period of the production. Sometimes
the way an item feels in an actor's hand helps with his mental
image of the character. Each item has a story to tell and
a reason to be there. An example in this production is when
the Player King's crown falls to the floor. Hamlet moves from
the on-stage audience to pick it up and places it temporarily
on his head. This simple prop allows a powerful gesture of
defiance in front of the usurper-King Claudius.
After meticulous manufacture in the Property Workshop responsibility
is handed over to the Theatre Props’ department which
looks after the positioning of props before each performance,
movement during performance and maintenance and care during
the production run. |
