Reclaiming Women's Narratives in Theatre:
An Exploration of Representation and Empowerment in Theatrical Design
Abstract:
This thesis delves into the portrayal of women in theater, both as characters and within production teams, with a focus on analyzing plays authored by men. These works often depict the mistreatment of women, encompassing sexual, physical, and mental abuse. The central question is how does working on shows that perpetuate women as objects and plot devices affect us as women on production teams. To explore this question, I used a variety of creative methods, including exhibit design, devised performances with actors, and interviews with female designers. My scenic design, inspired by the devised performance, confronts the brutal depiction and objectification of women in theater, aiming to stimulate dialogue and provide a platform for discussing these issues.Through this thesis, I discovered that addressing the treatment of women in theatrical settings is complex and lacks easy solutions. Nevertheless, engaging in conversations and utilizing art to shed light on these issues can deepen understanding and potentially catalyze positive changes.SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOS OF THE 1’=1/2” COLOR MODEL
Design Statement:
My design for this project aims to confront the prevalent issue of how female characters are often objectified and marginalized in plays written by male playwrights. By delving into the unsettling themes of violence against women and their portrayal as mere plot devices, we seek to challenge the audience's perceptions and provoke critical reflection on gender dynamics in theater.
The central metaphor of my design transforms the performance space into a grotesque mixture of a factory and a meat market, symbolizing the dehumanization and commodification of women. The choice of materials, such as fridge lining for masking, and the use of giant glass pods housing women in captivity, starkly illustrate the oppressive environment created by the male gaze.
The inclusion of damaged, worn-out boxes suspended in the air serves as a haunting reminder of the physical and emotional scars borne by women subjected to violence. These elements, juxtaposed with the pristine yet oppressive glass pods, highlight the stark contrast between the idealized image of women perpetuated by society and the harsh reality of their lived experiences.
The dynamic aspect of the set, with both the glass pods and the audience on rotating turntables, reinforces the notion of perpetually shifting power dynamics and the cyclical nature of oppression. As the pods rotate throughout the show, the audience is compelled to confront different perspectives and empathize with the plight of the women trapped within them.
The presence of men overseeing the space from the mezzanine further emphasizes the pervasive influence of patriarchal structures in perpetuating the objectification and marginalization of women. Their passive observation serves as a commentary on complicity and the need for collective accountability in challenging systemic misogyny.
Through the design, I aim to create an immersive and thought-provoking experience that invites audiences to critically engage with the representation of women in theater. By shedding light on the insidious nature of gender-based violence and the dehumanization of female characters.
