| In this thesis, I discuss some major proponents of environmental scenography, filtering their achievements through the insights of cultural theorist Jean Baudrillard, who constructs a human condition based on media simulation of that which we call reality. He suggest that we re-assess what live theatre can do, especially in view of pervasive, technologically mediated entertainments. I survey historical examples of alternative scenography that have attempted to displace traditional theatre forms. I describe two types of non-realistic staging: surrounding-space theatres; and transformed-space theatres.;In order to focus my discussion of these non-realistic approaches, I use Toronto's Necessary Angel Theatre as a contemporary example of a theatre company keenly attuned to the usefulness and pitfalls of scenographic experimentation. I discuss in detail the company's 1989 production of Newhouse, describing the use of non-traditional media in its creation and production. I then go on to discuss in depth my own experimentation with Baudrillard's theory in my own production of Newhouse. (Abstract shortened by UMI.). |
