Decoration
Since ancient times, it has gained importance decorative painting, constituting a special branch of art, in the history of which its development followed the movement of easel painting and picture painting. Sometimes the same works as this latter delivers are included in it, if only they are executed on the walls and ceilings of a building primarily for ornamental purposes (wall and ceiling paintings, frescoes); but its main element consists of ornaments in the strict sense of the word, that is, beautiful combinations of geometric lines and figures, as well as forms of the plant and animal kingdom, fantasized or unchanged (for example, wall paintings in the houses of Pompeii, Moorish arabesques of the Alhambra, grotesques of Raphael's boxes in the Vatican etc.). Motives decorative painting changed depending on the historical course of culture and art different nations, from the taste and architectural style that prevailed in given time. The French came into use the name in the 19th century decorative arts (fr. l'art décoratif) for various branches of handicraft production that need the help of art, such as the production of elegant furniture, carpets, lace, glass and pottery, jewelry, bronze, wallpaper and other items of luxury and comfort - in a word, for everything that is customary among the Germans call Kleinkünste or Kunstgewerbe, and in Russia - applied arts or the art industry.
Theater scenery
The word “scenery” is most often used to refer to theater accessories that are intended to create the illusion of a place in which the action performed on stage takes place. Therefore, theatrical scenery for the most part represents either landscapes or perspective views of streets, squares and the inside of buildings. They are painted with paints on canvas. The main components of every theatrical set are: veil And backstage. The first is hung at the back of the stage, extending across its entire width, and depicts everything that is in the background in the reproduced landscape or perspective; the curtains are pieces of linen, narrower in comparison with the curtain, stretched over a wooden binding and cut out at one edge in the appropriate manner; they are placed on the sides of the stage in two, three or several rows, one after the other, and represent closer objects, e.g. trees, rocks, houses, pilasters and other parts of the scene. The decorations are complemented by subarcs- pieces of canvas stretched across the entire stage at the top and depicting pieces of the sky, upper branches of trees, ceiling vaults, etc., and also praticables- various wooden platforms and platforms disguised with painted canvas, placed on the stage and representing, for example, stones, bridges, spurs of rocks, hanging galleries, stairs, etc.
Performance artist theatrical scenery and called decorator, must have, in addition to the training necessary for a painter in general, some special knowledge: he needs to perfectly know the rules of linear and aerial perspective, master a very wide technique of writing, be able to adapt his coloring to the fiery lighting in which stage performances usually take place, and in general to expect that the result of his work will be a picturesque setting of the play being performed, which not only does not harm it with its excessive simplicity or pretentiousness, but contributes to the strength and effectiveness of the impression it makes on the viewer. Having composed a sketch of the decorations, the decorator makes for her layout, that is, a miniature semblance of a stage with cardboard curtains, curtains and other accessories, so that from this model one can judge in advance the effect of the future work. Having then begun the execution of the decoration itself, he stretches the canvas of the curtain in a horizontal position on the floor of his workshop, transfers onto it (with charcoal or a special kind of ink) an enlarged drawing of the sketch by dividing it into squares and, finally, begins to paint with paints. He does exactly the same when performing the scenes and other parts of the scenery. His palette is replaced by a box with cans of various paints diluted with glue; For writing, more or less large brushes made of bristles with long handles are used. While working, he interrupts it every now and then to go up to the gallery, arranged in the workshop at some height from the floor, and look from there at what is written. He usually does not work alone, but together with his students and assistants, to whom he entrusts the preparation and secondary parts of the work.
Stage performances were furnished with scenery back in the ancient Greeks (scenography). As one of the oldest decorators known in history, one can point to Agafarch, who lived approximately 460-420. BC modern times decorative painting developed primarily in Italy, which delivered the best masters for this part and other countries. Of the Italian decorators in the 18th century, Giovanni Servandoni, who worked for the Royal Opera in Paris, became especially famous. Then the championship in the area in question passed to the French. Among them, the theater painter Boke showed remarkable talent; the famous Watteau and Boucher did not hesitate to take time off from performing their paintings in order to write for the stage. Then Degotti, Siseri, the latter's students Sechan, Desplechin, Fescher and Cambon, Chaperon, Thierry, Rube and Cheret enjoyed great fame among French decorators. Outstanding decorators in Germany were Schinkel, Karl Gropius, the Italians Quaglio (Domenico, his brother Simon and son Angelo) and J. Hoffmann. In Russia, the needs of the imperial theaters were initially met by visiting Italian decorators - Perezinotti, Quarenghi, Kanopi, Gonzaga, and then, during the reign of Nicholas I, German artists Andreas Roller, K. Wagner and others; Only in the second half of the 19th century did decorative painting embark on the path of independence in Russia thanks to such gifted masters as M. I. Bocharov and M. A. Shishkov, and the establishment of a special class at the Academy of Arts for the study of this branch of art.
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Synonyms:See what “Decoration” is in other dictionaries:
decoration- and, f. decoration f. 1. architect. Architectural, sculptural, pictorial, etc. decoration of a building. Sl. 18. The master will also observe the drawing or profile given by the architect, so as not to lose even the slightest proportion, for this is the best thing for the building... Historical Dictionary of Gallicisms of the Russian Language
- (middle age lat., from lat. decor decoration). Images and paintings painted in a special way and placed on the theater stage in order to give it the appearance of the place where the action should take place. Dictionary of foreign words included in... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian languageDictionary Ushakova
DECORATION, and, women. Installed on stage film set pictorial, three-dimensional or architectural depiction of a place and setting stage action. | adj. decorative, oh, oh. Ozhegov's explanatory dictionary. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. 1949… … Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary
Female, lat. decorations, decorations, furnishings; at the theater: view, location of the performance Decorative, related to the scenery. Male decorator an artist who paints scenery, views from a distance, decorations, furnishings, furnishings. Dahl's Explanatory Dictionary. V.I. Dahl... Dahl's Explanatory Dictionary
In the broad sense of the word, any artistic decoration of an object or room. Hence the verb: to decorate, to produce artistic decoration, and the adjective decorative, used in the language of architecture, as opposed to the term... ... Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron
Showcase. Jarg. business Deliberately increasing profits on the balance sheet to hide bad things. financial condition enterprises. BS, 44... Big dictionary Russian sayings
For a production to be successful, it is important not only to choose the right actors. The atmosphere on stage is also created by the decorations. We can say that scenery is as old as the art of theater, because even the first productions used various props.
Hard and soft decorations
There are two types of decorations:
- hard.
Rigid structures are conventionally divided into flat and volumetric, but in fact there are many more varieties. The scenery can be staged and used by the actors during the performance. For example, various stairs, fences, tables can be used during the production. Unplayed scenery simply serves as a static background and creates an atmosphere and ambiance.
Rigid decorations are made mainly from wood and duralumin. For wooden structures, inexpensive but durable coniferous wood is chosen. In some cases, it is appropriate to use light metals in the production of decorations.
Soft decorations are made from fabrics; they can be smooth, draped, picturesque, or contain appliqués. Velvet, canvas and tulle are the most popular materials on stage. Also today, synthetics and non-woven materials are used to produce products. They are practical and create the desired effect.
There are many ways to create theatrical sets, and they have been developed over centuries. Today nothing fundamentally new is being created in scenography - everything has already been invented in advance. However, new materials and technologies are emerging in the art of decoration.
The scenery on stage is usually multi-layered. This is not only the background behind the actors, but also all the necessary equipment. Even the curtain and backstage are considered decorations.
Inventory requirements
High-quality decorations meet several important requirements. It is important that they can be easily assembled and disassembled without losing the properties of the materials. There are products that are difficult to manufacture, but ideally decorations should be easy to manufacture. Then, if the product breaks down, it can be quickly restored.
Decorations need to be stored, and it is advisable that they do not take up too much space. Therefore among important qualities designs - portability and mobility. Also, the decorations should be light and durable. This is not always possible when producing rigid props. However, soft decorations meet these requirements 100%. To make them even lighter, modern materials began to be used for decoration.
Decorations have been used on stage for many years. In addition, they can be temporarily stored in a warehouse and even transported to other cities. That is why such strict requirements are imposed on products.
If the design is not practical, then its operation will require regular expenses. The scenery will have to be repaired, disassembled, and transportation ordered under special conditions. It is possible that such equipment is used in theaters, but in rare cases when there is no alternative.
Practical decorations do not require extra costs and do not lose their properties for many years. In some cases, when producing a product, it is worth overpaying and ordering a design from more expensive materials if this will extend its service life. However, with the advent of synthetics and non-woven materials, theaters can no longer overpay when making scenery.
How to create scenery
The scenery is created according to a preliminary sketch. Sketches are made by working out each scene in detail. All details are taken into account. The main decoration in the scenes is the background, followed by objects for the surroundings surrounding the participants in the action. The set designer begins to work with ready-made sketches, he creates a preliminary layout. A model is not a decoration yet, it is only a model.
By creating a layout, you can determine how accurately the size of the product is determined. In some cases, adjustments have to be made. That is why the scenery is created only after a trial layout has been made. The drawing is applied to the structure by an artist, whose actions are monitored by the director.
After preparing the layout, the product is sent to a specialized workshop where decorations are produced. Here the final product is created - a product that will decorate the stage. The model that is sent for production is usually a smaller version of the set. The craftsmen are faced with the task of reproducing the design in an enlarged size. Soft theatrical scenery is sometimes no easier to create than hard ones - it all depends on the characteristics of the product. Some decorations have many complex elements.
A theatrical production is created from a huge number of important elements, including not only the play and acting artists. No less important for the success of the performance are the decorations, the main role of which is to create space for the action taking place on stage. Theatrical scenery is an indispensable attribute of any production, which gives it a special charm.
What role do theatrical scenery play in theatrical and decorative art?
Theatrical and decorative arts, otherwise called scenography, is one of the specific types fine arts. Its main purpose is to visualize the environment in which the events in the play take place, and appearance characters. For this purpose, theatrical scenery and costumes of the characters are created. Equally important are design elements such as proper lighting and props. All these means are combined into a single whole, conveying the nature of the action and the intention of the entire performance. It can be said that the creation of theatrical scenery has the same ancient history, like the theater itself. Decorative design very quickly became a permanent attribute of theatrical performances, and now we can hardly imagine a performance on an empty stage.
Decoration must create an image of the place and time to which the action in the play relates. The composition of theatrical scenery, their color scheme and other characteristics depend on many factors. In addition to content, these include the speed of changing the scene of action, the peculiarities of the perception of objects on stage from the audience’s point of view, the possibilities and features of lighting, and much more.
Before the stage space is designed, it is necessary to create sketches of the theatrical scenery. It is at this stage that all the details of future decorations are worked out in order to achieve the greatest expressiveness and integrity. As for the masters of stage design, their sketches are considered not only as a basis for stage design, but also as an independent work of art, distinguished by the author's style and originality.
Theater scenery consists of many parts. These include framing elements, a curtain, objects on the stage, as well as backstage, background, etc. Theatrical scenery is created in several ways, in particular with the help of images and three-dimensional details. In Russian realism scenic elements are predominant. It is very important that planar elements and volumetric objects together create a holistic and vivid picture of the scene. In addition to the basic, traditional ways of depicting the environment, new and modern ones are emerging. Among them are projections, screens, draperies and much more. However, modern methods of stage design have not supplanted painting, which is present in one way or another in almost any scenery. The variety of forms of creating reality only allows specialists to choose the most suitable ones according to the content and style of the performance.
Costumes are no less important, thanks to which the images of the characters are created. The possibilities of the costume are very wide: it can tell about the hero’s social affiliation, his nationality, profession and some character traits. The style and color design of the costumes should be similar to the theatrical scenery. In ballet performances, they are also subject to a practical task: they must be comfortable and suitable for dance movements.
Main types of theatrical scenery
Highlight two types scenery for theatrical productions: hard and soft.
Hard scenery also divided into huge amount varieties. First of all, they are voluminous, semi-volumetric and flat. They also distinguish between staged scenery, with which the actors interact during the performance (pieces of furniture, stairs, trees, etc.), and non-staged scenery, which only serves as a background.
Theatrical scenery of this type is made mainly from coniferous wood. This material is characterized by a fairly low price, as well as wide possibilities in terms of processing for creating certain objects (painting, pasting, etc.). Metal structures are also used if necessary. For example, steel and duralumin pipes are widely used. They allow you to create contours complex drawings(both planar and volumetric), stairs and decorative machines. In this case, the use of metal is practically the only possibility creating scenery. Among other things, metal objects are lighter in weight.
Soft decorations They are divided into pictorial, applique, draped and smooth.
The variety of materials used is very wide: almost all types of fabrics are used. Theatrical scenery is made from canvas, velvet and tulle. Synthetic and non-woven materials are also actively used.
The basic techniques and rules according to which theatrical scenery is created were developed at the dawn of this art. Nowadays, the basis of most rigid decorations is still the decorative frame, invented more than a century ago. With its help, a huge number of design elements are created, in particular walls and ceilings. The principles of sewing backdrops and drawstrings have also changed little.
There are many ways to create theatrical scenery, and it is not possible to describe each of them. The search for new methods of stage design does not stop to this day. Although, of course, all innovations are based on those principles and schemes that were developed and put into practice by the long history of the theater.
What types of theatrical scenery are there depending on the content?
- Narrative
Such theatrical scenery involves the artist creating a real space for the characters to act. Thanks to him, the stage becomes the place where the characters in the play live and act.
- Metaphorical
This type of scenery does not include specific pieces of furniture or the space surrounding the characters, but it helps to convey the spirit and character of the production. The specialist strives for this goal by creating plastic metaphors. There are different ways creating metaphorical settings and opportunities for them to interact with characters.
- Picturesque
This name does not mean the visual characteristics of theatrical scenery, but the fact that painting is the main method of creating them. For the most part, these will be flat decorations on which the artist applies different images. Firstly, it may be an attempt to depict a real space (landscape or interior) without using three-dimensional elements. Secondly, it may be some kind of conventional background, one way or another suitable for the meaning and idea of the performance. fine arts can help with minimal means, but at the same time convey the spirit of what is happening on stage as accurately as possible with the help of background images.
- Constructivist
Some modern performances Constructivist-type theatrical scenery is very suitable. They do not depict the action space in the traditional sense, but only provide a certain structure for the actors. For example, there could be several platforms of different heights, between which characters will move using stairs.
- Architectural-spatial
In such sets, the most important element is the stage space. The structure installed on the stage treats it as a neutral background. In this case, the action is focused on the structure itself, which at the same time makes maximum use of the depth of the scene.
- Dynamic
In many ways, dynamic theatrical scenery is similar to architectural-spatial scenery, since in both cases the basis is movement. However, a separate type of stage space design is identified, called dynamic, based on such a criterion as the function of movement. In the previous type of scenery, movement is intended to unfold a single installation in front of the viewer, but in this type it is understood that movement is the central means of expression on which the entire performance is based.
- Light
In general, light transforms any theatrical scenery, so mastery of this tool in scenography is very important. However, professionals understand that light can act not only as an auxiliary tool that helps to correctly present the design of the scene. In some cases, it can play one of the leading roles along with other design methods. This is how we can talk about “scenery”, the means of creating which is lighting equipment.
- Projection
IN modern theaters theatrical scenery created using special equipment is used. In this case, it is not the skill of the artist and architect that comes to the fore, but the quality of the projection equipment and screen. Their advantage is the ability to completely replace three-dimensional decoration.
- Gaming
This type of theatrical scenery arose a long time ago, when theater as an art form was in its infancy. The heroes of that time were traveling actors who showed their performances at various city venues. Naturally, they could not create a complete and complete stage design. The basis of the scenery were objects that were part of the plot action. The actors themselves brought them to the stage, changed them, improvised with objects, etc.
- Off-ramp
This is a unique subspecies of play scenery designed for off-ramp performances. It is understood that the stage space is located in the auditorium. In its pure form, this form of decoration is not often used. Various types scenic design intersect and interact, each time creating something original, so the primary properties of various means can be difficult to analyze. However, it is worth highlighting the various forms of theatrical scenery in order to show the variety of stage design techniques.
IN theatrical productions We appreciate not only the acting, but also the stage design. Therefore, scenery is an important part of any performance.
You can explain to a preschooler what a set is like this: “This is everything that is on the stage (not counting the actors) and shows the place where the play takes place.”
The scenery, as a rule, consists of landscapes, views of streets, squares, and interiors. Specialists in making decorations are called .
Main components soft theatrical scenery - backdrop, wings and backdrops. Backdrop, like a background in paintings, depicts everything that is in the background. Backstage- narrow pieces of canvas - are placed on the sides of the stage in several rows and represent closer objects - trees, houses, rocks. A holly- pieces of canvas stretched at the top and depicting the sky, upper branches of trees, ceilings of rooms, etc. All together, experts often call stage clothes.
The same applies to stage clothing (soft decorations).
Hard, three-dimensional scenery can be played out during the action. Stairs, railings, trees, houses, columns are also called active decorations.
IN lately It has become fashionable to use light or virtual (computer-synthesized) scenery.
Continuing our journey through the theatrical world, today we will find ourselves in the world of backstage and learn the meaning of words such as ramp, proscenium, scenery, and also get acquainted with their role in the play.
So, upon entering the hall, each spectator immediately turns his gaze to the stage.
Scene- this is: 1) the place where it happens theatrical performance; 2) the synonym for the word “phenomenon” is a separate part of the action, the act of a theatrical play, when the composition of the characters on stage remains unchanged.
Scene- from Greek. skene – booth, stage. In the early days of Greek theater, the skene was a cage or tent built behind the orchestra.
Skene, orchectra, theatron constitute the three fundamental scenographic elements of ancient Greek performance. The orchestra or playing area connected the stage and the audience. The skene developed in height to include the theologeon, or playground of gods and heroes, and on the surface along with the proscenium, the architectural façade, a precursor to the wall decorum that would later create the proscenium space. Throughout history, the meaning of the term “stage” has constantly expanded: a set, a playground, a place of action, a time period during an act, and, finally, in a metaphorical sense, a sudden and bright spectacular event (“to make a scene for someone”). But not all of us know that the stage is divided into several parts. It is customary to distinguish between the proscenium, rear stage, upper and lower stages. Let's try to understand these concepts.
Proscenium– the space of the stage between the curtain and the auditorium.
As a playing area, the proscenium is widely used in opera houses and ballet performances. IN drama theaters the proscenium serves as the main setting for the small scenes in front of the closed curtain that link the scenes of the play. Some directors bring the main action to the forefront, expanding the stage area.
A low barrier separating the proscenium from auditorium, called ramp. In addition, the ramp covers stage lighting devices from the auditorium side. This word is often used to describe the system of theatrical lighting equipment itself, which is placed behind this barrier and serves to illuminate the stage space from the front and below. To illuminate the stage from the front and above, spotlights are used - a row of lamps located on the sides of the stage.
backstage– the space behind the main stage area. The rear stage is a continuation of the main stage, used to create the illusion of great depth of space, and serves as a backup room for setting up scenery. On the back stage there are furkas or a rotating rolling circle with pre-installed decorations. The top of the rear stage is equipped with grate bars with decorative lifts and lighting equipment. Under the floor of the rear stage there are warehouses for hanging decorations.
Upper stage- part of the stage box located above the stage mirror and limited at the top by a grate. It is equipped with working galleries and transition bridges, and is used to accommodate hanging decorations, overhead lighting devices, and various stage mechanisms.
Lower stage- part of the stage box below the tablet, where stage mechanisms, prompter and light control booths, lifting and lowering devices, and devices for stage effects are located.
And it turns out that the stage has a pocket! Side stage pocket– a room for a dynamic change of scenery using special rolling platforms. Side pockets are located on both sides of the stage. Their dimensions make it possible to completely fit the decoration on the furka, which occupies the entire playing area of the stage. Typically, decorative storage areas are adjacent to the side pockets.
The “furka” called in the previous definition, along with “grid bars” and “bars”, is included in the technical equipment of the stage. Furka– part of stage equipment; a mobile platform on rollers, used to move parts of the decoration on the stage. The movement of the furnace is carried out by an electric motor, manually or using a cable, one end of which is located behind the scenes, and the other is attached to the side wall of the furka.
– lattice (wooden) flooring located above the stage area. It is used for installing blocks of stage mechanisms and is used for work related to the suspension of performance design elements. The grate is connected to the working galleries and the stage by stationary stairs.
Barbell– a metal pipe on cables in which the scenes and scenery parts are attached.
IN academic theaters all technical elements of the stage are hidden from the audience by a decorative frame, which includes a curtain, wings, backdrop and curtain.
Entering the hall before the start of the performance, the spectator sees curtain– a sheet of fabric suspended in the stage portal area and covering the stage from the auditorium. It is also called an “intermission-sliding” or “intermission” curtain.
Intermission-sliding (intermission) curtain is a permanent piece of stage equipment that covers its mirror. It opens before the start of the performance, closes and opens between acts.
Curtains are made of thick, dyed fabric with a thick lining, decorated with the theater emblem or wide fringe hemmed to the bottom of the curtain. The curtain allows you to make the process of changing the environment invisible, creating a feeling of time between actions. The intermission sliding curtain can be of several types. The most commonly used are Wagnerian and Italian.
Consists of two halves fixed at the top with overlays. Both wings of this curtain open using a mechanism that pulls the lower inner corners toward the edges of the stage, often leaving the bottom of the curtain visible to the audience.
Both parts Italian curtain move apart synchronously with the help of cables attached to them at a height of 2-3 meters and pulling the curtain towards upper corners proscenium. Above, above the stage, is located holly- a horizontal strip of fabric (sometimes acting as decoration), suspended on a rod and limiting the height of the stage, hiding the upper stage mechanisms, lighting fixtures, grate bars and upper spans above the scenery.
When the curtain opens, the viewer sees the side frame of the stage, made of strips of fabric arranged vertically - this is backstage.
The backstage is closed from the audience backdrop– a painted or smooth background made of soft fabric, suspended at the back of the stage.
The scenery of the performance is located on the stage.
Decoration(Latin for “decoration”) – decoration actions on the theater stage. Creates visual image actions through the means of painting and architecture.
Decoration should be useful, effective, functional. Among the main functions of scenery are the illustration and representation of elements supposed to exist in the dramatic universe, the free construction and modification of the scene, considered as a play mechanism.
Creating scenery and decorative design of a performance is an entire art called scenography. IN different times The meanings of this word have changed.
Scenography among the ancient Greeks was the art of theater design and picturesque decoration stemming from this technique. In the Renaissance, scenography was the name given to the technique of painting a backdrop on a canvas. In modern theater arts this word represents the science and art of organizing the stage and theatrical space. The set itself is the result of the work of the set designer.
This term is increasingly replacing the word “decoration” if there is a need to go beyond the concept of decoration. Scenography marks the desire to be writing in a three-plane space (to which we should also add a time dimension), and not just the art of decorating a canvas, which the theater was content with up to naturalism.
In the heyday of modern scenography, set designers were able to breathe life into space, revive time and the actor’s play in the total creative act, when it is difficult to isolate the director, lighting designer, actor or musician.
The scenography (set design of the performance) includes props- objects of stage furniture that actors use or manipulate during the course of the play, and props– specially made objects (sculptures, furniture, dishes, jewelry, weapons, etc.) used in theater performances instead of the real thing. Prop items are distinguished by their low cost, durability, emphasized by the expressiveness of their external form. At the same time, prop makers usually refuse to reproduce details that are not visible to the viewer.
Prop making is a large industry. theater technology, including work with paper pulps, cardboard, metal, synthetic materials and polymers, fabrics, varnishes, paints, mastics, etc. The range of fake products is no less diverse, requiring special knowledge in the field of stucco, cardboard, finishing and metalwork, fabric painting , metal chasing.
Next time we will learn more about some theatrical professions, whose representatives not only create the performance itself, but also provide its technical support and work with the audience.
Definitions of the terms presented are taken from the websites.
