Summary A* CONCEPT for Woyzeck, inspired by Brecht, full original performance conditions and social/ political context
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Woyzeck Complete concept
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PEARSON (PEARSON)
In depth well written concept for Woyzeck that helped me get FULL MARKS
Includes visual elements, as a director, as a performer, links to bertolt brecht, links to original performance, links to context
STAGING - proscenium arch, revolving stage, cloth hung by washing line, costumes also hung to use, balcony Theater Stair Railing - class -
circus, house silhouette, windows peering through light, circus with burnt edges over - remind watching play - examine the human condition,
trundle bench -> bed, railings cage - trapped. Lighting instruments in full view - centre of audience
Original set in 1821 - Woyzeck’s trial. I would set in 1789 - French revolution - time of questioning aristocracy - biggest period of change. Mental
health is reflected. Woyzeck - late 50s, drum-major/ captain/ doctor late 20s - age not reflect power but social class
Scene Visual elements As a director As a performer Links to Brecht Links to OPC/ Context
Act 1, sc 1 Proscenium arch similar to Want the audience to Woyzeck paces around the Brecht’s plays were First performance at the
OPC. use of cyclorama note Woyzeck’s stage in a frantic manner. performed in traditional Residenztheatre in Munich,
Minimalist use insanity Andres is used to his quirks proscenium arch theatre 1913 (proscenium arch)
houses
Projection of exaggerated Andres singing - Woyzeck uses gestus in screen projection was used
wood - remind audience that bourgeoisie greedy measuring u the earth and Bright light to reinforce the play’s
they are watching play ‘until its bare’ placing his ear to the ground on theme/s
‘hollow’ Minimalist set/ props
Light is a harsh white par can Hollow ground Andres shrugs and touches his Expressionistic stages were
that diffuses.Brecht - bring -wealthy use up all brow often bare, with few props.
taboo issues to light. resources
Woyzeck speaks quietly but A German soldier’s uniform
Minimal props - shovel continuously in a German was influenced by the
accent.establishes his madness. French military uniform. It
Costume - uniform Andres responds thoughtfully as included a tri-corner hat
if he is pondering , in a disjoined with gold trimmings, a black
fashion. scarf, a white or blue
coat with a gold braid on
the outside with matching
breeches and knee-high
, boots.
Act 1, sc 2 Set inside so projection off, Show in contrast - the Marie is excited. Jittery - wave - the actor was never to fully 1913 production had a
warm flood light down lighting normality/ morality of infantile. Wink. elegant feminine become the character as in revolving stage- enabling
as if in house, no theatre. other characters. attributes the realistic/naturalistic detailed sets to be used for
theatre each setting and smooth
Minimalist props- bare window water/wine biblical Margaret -arms folded transitions between scenes.
frame as if looking into society references. Bucher judgemental eye contact to often characters tended to be
was born protestant, Marie somewhat oversimplified and
Revolving stage in middle as if not zealously stereotyped
consumed by staring at religious- middle class
soldiers family
Act 1, sc 3 Circus theme tune plays as Provocative. Ironic If not actively involved/ speaking Brecht used sound effects Lighting would have been
enter turn back to audience to make it provided by electric lamps
All inside already - obvious Slap and tickle - sergeant in most modern theatres by
Minimalist lighting -single blue ironic falls over comically placard the end of the 19 th
cool spot follows. quizzical/ leering looks ‘laugh’ followed by serious century. Gels may have
Diffuses into flood light for Societal imbalance exchanged Marie interaction been used to suggest night
show. Floodlight on ‘so bright’ - - contrast here bolder due
starking Soldier monkey - don't intonation/ projection Soldier snatch money with $ to technological advances
take seriously sign on - caricature Brecht
Each time Marie and Drum remind watch play
major lock eyes- non diegetic quizzical/ leering looks
sound heartbeat intensifies exchanged Brecht - audience interaction.
Marie and woyzeck enter
Placards for audience fir when intonation/ projection . from audience place
to say ‘ahhh’ as if real circus
Slap and tickle horse defects
Higher platform - soldier on silly drum sound intensifies to
plinth - manipulator serious
On ‘uneducated’ the poor hold
, up misspelt philosophical
placards.
Horse- puppet raggy sad -
showman. Poor fate is
predetermined. = similar to
pantomime
Act 1, sc 4 Minimalist on ‘they catch the Highlights the role of Woyzeck - accusatory jealous the costume was not Expressionism
light’ white strobe blinds the women tone. Paces- far proximity . individually identifiable eg. focused on the inner
audience. Goes dark after speaks fast. Points his fingers the farmer’s costume qualities of the protagonist
‘you’ll go blind’ - put baby to Woyzeck’s vulnerable around in blame. Stumbling as represented ‘a (typical)
sleep switches to soften state he is weak farmer’ Expressionist acting style
underlighting - eerie may have used the
atmosphere Marie feels some sort of guilt so Non-realistic puppetry appearance of over-acting,
attempts to change the topic. an ‘ecstatic’ style of
Pink ruffled blouse Standing in close proximity and acting. Been intense,
trying to touch. Lower level and violent, expressing
Woyzeck - professional in status as bends over crib - role tormented
uniform of women. High pitch, breezy emotions and be a mixture
tone as if nothing. of presentational and
Baby a very clearly ragged representational.
doll/ puppet
Act 1, sc 5 Single spot light onto high chair Reference to class Captain - exaggerated Brecht was interested in surrealism
where Captain sits. hyperbolic mime/ gesture highlighting the differences (due to the dreamlike
Shows how calculated supposedly intelligent that between the rich and poor elements of many
During repetition of ‘eternity’ Woyzeck is - biblical Buchner tries to attack. expressionist plays)
light subtly turns more and comeback. He is set
more red that he is right - Woyzeck - opposite poverty so
psychotic behaviour to no morality. Shrugs and furrows
When talking on religion - quote the bible. brows.
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