Photograph of a Gordon Craig set model
Photograph
1912 (made)
1912 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Edward Gordon Craig (1872-1966), designer, director and theorist, was a controversial figure whose writings have had a great influence on 20th century theatre. Craig reacted against the stage realism of his day, believing that painted scenery and a naturalistic interpretation of characters distracted attention from the essence of the play. His designs, most made for productions which never took place, were simple and non-illusory. They were characterised by towering vertical masses and were intended as a background for actors who would subordinate themselves to the drama. It was the beginning of what came to be called Director's Theatre, in which director and designer offered a strong co-ordinated interpretation of each work.
One production which did take place was Hamlet at the Moscow Art Theatre in 1912. In 1908 Constantin Stanislavsky, the theatre's director, invited Craig to direct and design Shakespeare's play. This photograph shows Craig's model for Act III, scene iv, made in 1909.
One production which did take place was Hamlet at the Moscow Art Theatre in 1912. In 1908 Constantin Stanislavsky, the theatre's director, invited Craig to direct and design Shakespeare's play. This photograph shows Craig's model for Act III, scene iv, made in 1909.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Title | Photograph of a Gordon Craig set model (generic title) |
Materials and techniques | Photograph mounted on board |
Brief description | Photograph of a set model by Edward Gordon Craig for Act III, scene iv of Hamlet, Moscow Art Theatre, 1912. Display print mounted on board. |
Physical description | Photograph of a set model by Edward Gordon Craig for Act III, scene iv, of 'Hamlet', Moscow Art Theatre, 1912. Display print mounted on board. Tall screens arranged to suggest pillars. 'Box' with opening in front and right side positioned to left. Opening at back with cut-out figure. |
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Marks and inscriptions |
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Object history | This photograph, from Gordon Craig's personal archive, was acquired by the director and collector, Jason Buzas, from the family of Gordon Craig, via Craig's grandson, Tom. |
Literary reference | Hamlet |
Summary | Edward Gordon Craig (1872-1966), designer, director and theorist, was a controversial figure whose writings have had a great influence on 20th century theatre. Craig reacted against the stage realism of his day, believing that painted scenery and a naturalistic interpretation of characters distracted attention from the essence of the play. His designs, most made for productions which never took place, were simple and non-illusory. They were characterised by towering vertical masses and were intended as a background for actors who would subordinate themselves to the drama. It was the beginning of what came to be called Director's Theatre, in which director and designer offered a strong co-ordinated interpretation of each work. One production which did take place was Hamlet at the Moscow Art Theatre in 1912. In 1908 Constantin Stanislavsky, the theatre's director, invited Craig to direct and design Shakespeare's play. This photograph shows Craig's model for Act III, scene iv, made in 1909. |
Bibliographic reference | In my mind's eye : Edward Gordon Craig and Hamlet : an exhibition of prints & books, mainly from the personal archives of Gordon Craig and his family from the collection of Jason Buzas, London : Sophie Schneideman Rare Books, 2009 |
Collection | |
Accession number | S.8-2010 |
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Record created | March 14, 2011 |
Record URL |
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