Answer these questions in relation to the stage designs and costumes in these photographs. EXPLORE
1. 2.
3. 4.
Which of the sets do you think makes the very best use of lighting and colour? A stage design can sometimes be described as minimalist, i.e. the minimum amount of detail has been used. A few details, along with the lighting or colour, make the impact. This bare set design is very effective in creating a certain mood or atmosphere. Which of the four sets would you most describe as minimalist and why do you think it was used for this moment in the play?
James and the Giant Peach and Annie were both written for children. Which of the two photographs for these musicals do you think would most successfully appeal to a child’s imagination?
Based on the impression you have of these four stage sets, which play would you most like to see performed? Give reasons for your answer.
Excerpt from The Field by John B. Keane stage directions, props, character and dialogue
What I will learn: Read these stage PREPARE W8.3
directions for the opening scene of the play, The Field, by John B. Keane, (pictured) written in 1965 but set in 1950s Ireland.
STAGE DIRECTIONS FOR THE FIELD – OPENING SCENE
Action takes place in the bar of a public house in Carraigthomond, a small village in the south west of Ireland.
Mick Flanagan is the owner of the public house and father to a large family of nine children.
Leamy is his eldest son. Bird is a local cattle dealer who often comes into the pub. Leamy Flanagan is playing pitch and toss with his younger brothers and sisters. Enter the Bird O’Donnell.
