Finalised Set Model

Here is the complete set model as it will be seen set ready for the audience to enter the Theatre space. I am extremely pleased with the look I have achieved all the textures compliment each other nicely and although there isn't a strict colour scheme the selection of deep blue's, soft khaki greens and aged brown look fantastic together and really evoke a time gone by.  The Pros arch captures elements of the story and the Soldiers journey from a cubist perspective so are not all entirely obvious - leading the audience to perceive it as they wish. The Pallets not only relate to WWI and provide context but break up the space, create a different level and suggest the long winding road of the Soldiers journey. Furthermore they link into the Orchestra space with the pallet like wooden flooring and corrugated iron edging that mimicks the  trenches. The antique chairs they will use help set the context and time period but also add warmth in their selection of browns. The music stands will be masked with fabric that might include a war motif  as if they were a war time band. This complete with their uniforms will look fantastic - constantly setting the context of what is happening as the play progresses in another world. 

The cubist theme couldn't have worked better - as the play changes scene frequently and swiftly I have incorporated different aspects of the story that are present at all times but suggest each location, such as the meandering stream, sign post, brick wall and the seasonal textures of the Autumnal leaves and the summer corn crop ready to be cut as he travels throughout the country. The painting over the painting is in the cubist style and colour scheme but also shows a great likeness to an aerial view of countryside fields. The collage beneath the painting is of news articles and maps from the era, the maps reinforcing his travel and showing areas at war but also relating to the collage work of Braque and Picasso. The musical notes were also depicted in Cubist works yet I included these also as the music is such an integral part of the storytelling of this tale. Their use of text can also be seen on the pallets, depicting hidden dates, instruments and the name of Ramuz who wrote The Soldiers Tale. Pallets are also used at the back of the Pros stage to suggest the Soldier's home village and it's belfry in the distance which he never quite returns home to as he would wish. In the original stage directions this is not present at all times, however I would like it to be  and its presence be brought to attention using lighting at certain points.

The curtains are dust sheet like as if assembled with haste and for a temporray performance, again reflectingthe textures of war time as it will be dirtied down and mud spattered. The curtains will be operated with a pulley system so they can conform to the stage directions.

As for furniture used within the space I have created wooden clad blocks, with some sides painted, that are based on the existing boxes in the acting studio size 50x50x50cm. These can be easily moved around to manipulate/create scenes and pieces of furniture such as the Princess's bed. They will work well as furniture yet also comply to the cubist theme. The Narrator will be sitting to the left of the pros arch (from audience p.o.v) with a stool and cuboid box acting as a table when he is not moving around the set. These stools are also to be used for scenes as they are prefered by the Director are light, easy to move and a good height. The chandeliar, which cannot currently be seen, will drop down for the scenes in the palace to show decadence and alter the dynamic of the space.

Reflection: I am really happy with the final look of the set model, I feel it really presents the character of the story not only on the elements of decoration but the Cubism representing the angst of the era and the sinister presence of the Devil in its juxtaposition of lines and angles. It should comply to budget as I believe the Pallets should not cost a great deal and the other materials such as the iron can also be recycled. It will confirm to Johns specification of fitting in a 20ft lorry as the Pros can break in the centre and at each column for easy transportation. It will either rest on a scaff structure or french braces. I feel like my experimentation with materials and quality of handiwork are high and adhere to reputation of the Orchestra as specified in my learning agreement, as well as being technically accurate and considering budget and technicalities. I have carried out consistent communication with the Director and Orchestra's requirements so it will accommodate their needs and prove a successful set design.