Hamlet | My Site 1

Research and inspiration

First thoughts

- modern 21st century mansion - dangerous concept of the "elite"

- themes of wealth and power - links between wealth and safety

- Gregory Doran's 2009 filmed production of Hamlet - I liked the use of mirrors in this adaption reflecting on characters broken identities and themes of duality and madness. I thought this more psychological presentation of the story was very effective

- Ron Daniel's 1984 production of Hamlet - "Black draped chandeliers" and "two great perspex-ballustrated stairways" (Coveney, 1984) - I was inspired by the elegance and grandeur here.

- Rusalka set design seen in the V&A - The way the floor breaks away into a reflective pool here intrigued me as I was eager to use reflection in my design.

- Elitism in film and literature: The Great Gatsby, One flew over the Cuckoo's Nest, Knives out franchise, The Hunger Games - focus on the treatment of others and the utter destruction these ideas of power cause.

- Magic Circle - Again looking at ideas of hierarchy and elitism as well as secrecy and deception.

Week one

Object theatre workshops

During our first workshop we looked at finding links

between objects which lead to an independant task to

select objects to represent charcaters in Hamlet, thinking

about the themes and issues present in the play.

We then created scenes from the play using these objects

focusing on view point, positioning and key characterisitcs.

In our second workshop we focused on

transitions between themes. I focused on sanity and madness using playing cards and picture frames.

We then created a scene transition outside of the workshop where I focused on the darker side to hamlet looking at a transition tat could possibly be projected during the final scene.

Week two

Initial ideas

First concept

I created this drawing to look at the tone of my piece, deciding on colours and looking at the stage layout I had planned out. I liked the darker, earie atmosphere that this sketch created however I thought it was too busy so revised the 5 blind in my following sketches

Developing ideas

Simple card model

We all started by making simple card models

to offer an idea of what our sets could look like. This was helpful as it allowed us to play with the location of the stage and the audience as well as sightlines

Scale drawing

I decided to create a 1:100 size drawing of my floor plan to help with measurements

when creating my model. I used sizing of existing products such as beds and chairs

to help decide on the dimensions for my own.

Model making

Story Boards

AutoCAD

Character analysis

- Continuing to look at themes of wealth and power. Here I focused on the idea of the "celebrity" and the idolism surrounding the rich and famous. I gathered a range of references and used them to create mood boards to use as inspiration

Costume research and inspiration

Waistcoat

We each created a waistcoat to go alongside our designs, learning to create a pattern, how to fit to one another and how to sew each piece together.

Rough designs

Final designs

Developing my storyboards

Evaluation

Although this project proved a challenge being my first set design for a play, I was unfamiliar with, I have enjoyed the experience and feel I have developed a number of valuable skills throughout to take forward into my next projects and designs. My concept for Hamlet focuses on a modern 21st century setting scrutinising societies views around wealth, power and safety as well as looking at the danger of elitism. I completed a range of research around these areas looking at past productions, the idolism of celebrities and thinking about the presentation of elitism within literature and film. I wanted to highlight the destruction throughout the play within my set, using symbols of wealth and power. I chose a large crown that could crack throughout the piece, utilising modern projections, to emphasise this theme of demolition caused by power and wealth. I think my final set design achieves the look of affluence and privilege that may make the audience feel uneasy, which was a goal of mine. Having curtains surrounding the theatre as well as ones above the stage extending out into the audience adds to the overwhelming feeling I wanted to evoke within the audience as they become encapsulated in this world uncomfortable of elitism and privilege. If I were to continue to develop this set I would definitely need to look at the finer details such as the edging of the staging, the flooring of the walkway through the audiences and how the blinds and mirrors could be utilised even further. Also, I would want to continue to look at how I could use lighting within different scenes to create different atmospheres such as the grandeur of the great hall verses the intimacy of Gertrude’s bedroom.

For my costumes I researched celebrities using modern looks as inspiration from awards ceremonies, thinking about themes of idolisation and the destruction within it as we see the characters break down. I continued this into the dumb show, looking at the more extravagant costumes warn and how these ceremonies often become a competition for recognition. From the feedback I received, I could have been even more experimentative and bold with these so they could stand out even further on my stage. If I were to revisit these costumes, I would perhaps look at some even bolder shapes and some unique textures to add to the extravagance to highlight the absurdity that can come from wealth.

This project has developed my skills in analysing a text, researching around a text and a period, model making and costume design. I also enjoyed developing my sewing skills within this project, helping me to understand different fabrics and how clothing is made. Moving forward, I would like to be more confident in going the extra mile and not being afraid to experiment within my work, being bolder and not scared to go wrong a few times before finding something that is unique and really works.