The Cambridge Introduction to Scenography

An invaluable introduction for students to the purpose and scope of scenography, its theories and concepts, pioneers and future potential.

Joslin McKinney (Author), Philip Butterworth (Author)

9780521847650, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 19 November 2009

254 pages, 32 b/w illus.
23.4 x 15.8 x 1.6 cm, 0.53 kg

'McKinney's and Butterworth's textbook is a coherent and thoughtful examination of the subject that weaves together primary sources and contemporary scholarship as it maps out an understanding of how scenography works physically, technologically, philosophically and culturally.' Theatre Research international

Scenography – the manipulation and orchestration of the performance environment – is an increasingly popular and key area in performance studies. This book introduces the reader to the purpose, identity and scope of scenography and its theories and concepts. Settings and structures, light, projected images, sound, costumes and props are considered in relation to performing bodies, text, space and the role of the audience. Concentrating on scenographic developments in the twentieth century, the Introduction examines how these continue to evolve in the twenty-first century. Scenographic principles are clearly explained through practical examples and their theoretical context. Although acknowledging the many different ways in which design shapes the creation of scenography, the book is not exclusively concerned with the role of the theatre designer. In order to map out the wider territory and potential of scenography, the theories of pioneering scenographers are discussed alongside the work of directors, writers and visual artists.

Preface
Part I. Elements: 1. What is scenography?
2. Twentieth-century pioneers of scenography
Part II. Processes of Scenography: 3. Text as conditioner of image
4. Recognising and realising space
5. Technology as performance
Part III. Realisation and Reception: 6. Analysis of scenography
7. Reception of scenography
8. Completion and exchange of the image.

Subject Areas: Theatre: technical & background skills [ANH], Theatre direction & production [ANF], Theatre studies [AN]