Design lens on Dramaturgy and Scenography.

The Science of creating visual experience in theater performing art is called Scenography. Its main idea is to create overall theatrical visual presentation and delivery for better audience sustained interest and interaction. The element of scenography are props(stage interacting element & character clothing), light, audio, set and actors. The practise of scenography, involves better understanding the theme of play and accordingly the complexity range from simple to complex stage action. Whereas “Dramaturgy” is the art or technique of dramatic composition or theatrical representation. During this course we went through various aspects of theatrical performances by watching interesting movies, reading materials and sharing knowledge through presentations. On the last day of this module we also got opportunity to attend a real time theatrical performance which gave remarkable experience which is unachievable through watching movies.

Sharing thoughts on the movies screened during the course of study:

• The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari (1920) - It’s a German silent movie, considered to be one of the best expressionist movie. Expressionism is depiction of unsettled emotional state of character by cinematic technique. The film visual cue is the pinnacle of the genre, with its crooked backdrops, harsh lines, painted shadows, and surreal nature permeating every scene. Distortions and mangled perspectives are constant, bold brush strokes paint shadows equally with sharp edges and round curves, as lines and structures twist and strike to form nightmarish shapes. It question idea about reality and perception.
• The documentary titled “Ways of Seeing” by Walter Benjamin explains the psychology behind art and artist over the era and discusses about society representation through the art. The case of female nude and socioeconomic divide among art portrait. It not only discusses the work of art by artist but also about Digital art reproduction in the modern reproduction era. Where he discusses about value and reality. The series ends on with discussion about modern commercial art - The art of Advertisement.
• The Holy Mountain by Alejandro Jodorowsky is a surrealist fantasy movie. It is a satire on consumerism, militarism and exploitation. From a viewer perspective, contains some of the most visually striking and composed message-related visions you might ever encounter.
• On the last day we went to witness the theatrical play of “The cabinet of Dr. Caligari” directed by Mr. Deepan Sivaraman a is an Indian Theatre director, Scenographer and Academic. He is the founder of Oxygen Theatre Company based in Thrissur, Kerala. It helped us understand and witness the teaching of scenography at play in stage. The use of various medium along with play created the play more interesting. The element of surprise was enthralled by effective use of lighting. The actors and props did a pleasant job of enticing the audience throughout the play.

Being a designer my biggest take away would be to understand my user much better and create surreal and hyperreality for my user to create much more immersive and complimenting experience in terms of various direction and accept the cultural norm and societal perception along with other considered design terminology.