The Rivals - Visual, Aural, Spatial

The Rivals

Visual, Aural, Spatial

18th Century Theatre

The architectural structure and other staging conventions that mostly remain today were strongly influenced by Italian theatre.

The seating for the audience consisted of benches in front of the stage and galleries divided into box seating along the sides of the auditorium. A proscenium arch separated the audience and the stage.

Although the stages were large and deep set in 18th Century theatre, the actors would stand as close to the front of the stage as possible, partly due to the relatively poor lighting, but also to create a more intense and intimate atmosphere with the audience.

The elaborate and fashionable costumes used in 18th Century theatre helped to clarify to the audience the social status of the different characters, as well as making the visual element on stage more interesting. The costumes would have been modern at the time, and also added to the fashionable status that the Theatre held at the time. Where the actress playing Lydia would have worn an expensive and fashionable dress, Lucy would have been dressed in a simple, rather plain outfit, to signify her lower position in society.

As an 18th Century audience were much more an 'aural' audience, the need for props and visual aids were not nearly as important as for an audience today. The detailed language and complex plot were sufficient to make an enjoyable play, and props could be seen to be rather a distraction.

Despite the lack of props, the stage itself would have been elaborately decorated with an attractive backdrop (as shown in the photo).

All of the music used in 18th Century Theatre would be played live by musicians, and the style of music would be typical of the era. Music would be helped to create different atmospheres on stage.

Staging

As a modern day audience is much more visual, the complexity of the language could therefore be rather challenging for them. It is for this reason that staging and spatial awareness is crucial when performing 'The Rivals'. Staging helps ...

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Despite the lack of props, the stage itself would have been elaborately decorated with an attractive backdrop (as shown in the photo).

All of the music used in 18th Century Theatre would be played live by musicians, and the style of music would be typical of the era. Music would be helped to create different atmospheres on stage.

Staging

Julia has come to visit Lydia. Julia is clearly upset because of her argument with Faukland in the previous scene. Whilst Julia sits, Lydia should pace the room very absorbed with the issue of Jack Absolute. Julia's calm behaviour is in complete contrast with Lydia's melodramatic behaviour. This difference will be very clearly shown through the staging of this scene. Julia should rise and try to calm Lydia, but when she fails to do this, sit down again, and simple observe Lydia with a rather frustrated but nevertheless composed attitude.

Modern day theatre

Because the modern audience are much more accustomed to visual entertainment, rather than aural, the action on stage must be clear and appealing visually. Without this element, 18th Century plays would not be so popular today, due to the complex language and sometimes-difficult plot. As well as including more props and visual aids than were used at the time the play was written, the actors must emphasise facial expressions and movements to clarify the personality and emotions of the character throughout the performance. Although this visual element would make a modern day production different from the earlier ones, I would make minimal changes to the ply itself:

Costumes - I would keep the costumes authentic to the time period. I have chosen to do so because the costumes used originally matched the language used and also reflect the 'rules' of society at the time. For example, the dresses that the upper class women (like Lydia) would be expected to wear were very restrictive consequently forcing the lady to make minimal movements, and instead sit looking attractive. This idea of lack of freedom for women would not be so easy to present to the audience if the actors were in modern day dress.

The stage and set - In a similar way to the 18th Century Theatre, I would use a proscenium arch stage. This would enable me to use a backdrop, and also it means that the actors only have to face towards the front, (rather than if it were, for example in the round). I have decided to change the setting of the play. Although in the 18th Century, Bath was accepted as a highly fashionable city, I think that the modern day equivalent is London, and that an audience would find this setting easier to grasp. The backdrop would be a street scene, as if the stage stretches back down the street. This visual aid is not only simple to use and can be kept up for the entire performance, but also helps to create the busy, 18th century London atmosphere that is desired. Because the backdrop is detailed, there is less of a need to have other props for the scenes set outside. It could be effective, though, to have actors on the stage in these scenes dressed as market sellers etc to add to the busy atmosphere.

. More props will be used for the scenes set inside. As one of Lydia's passions is reading 'romantic novels', there will be a small table/desk on which several books will be placed. There will be an elegant sofa, and also two chairs on stage, which will be used throughout these scenes. One of the sidewall of the stage, a large painting will be lowered, and on the other an ornate mirror. Lydia during some of her speeches can gaze into the mirror (which will help to show that she is somewhat living in a fantasy). At the back of the stage, there will be long curtains, slightly drawn back to realise the backdrop (as if it were the view from inside). There will be arches at the sides of the stage for actors to come on from.

Lighting - Although in the 18th century, the lighting was not particularly good, to clarify to the audience when the characters are outside or inside, the lighting will adjust accordingly. Inside the lighting will be slightly less bright, than outdoors.

Music - To a modern audience music is essential in helping to set the atmosphere. At the start of the performance music similar to what would have been heard in the 18th Century will be played. Modern technology enables sound effects to be used as well. By having 'street scene noises', helps to create the atmosphere aurally as well as visually.

Modern Day Staging Example

The opening of the play is essential as in 'The Rivals' a lot of important information is revealed here. The speech between the two characters, Fag and the Coachman is relatively complex and has to be kept at quite a swift pace, so as to keep the audience listening. To help the audience understand what they are saying the two actors must, as explained previously, exaggerate movements and gestures. There will be other noises and characters on the stage at this time, so it is imperative for Fag and the coachman to speak clearly and loudly.