Module 5: Drama and Space
5.2. Scenography 

Scenography is the art of setting up a stage for theatrical performances, movies, or television programs. It involves creating sets, costumes, lighting, and other elements that help create the atmosphere and mood for a particular scene or episode. Set designers work closely with directors, actors, and other members of the creative team to create a visual representation of a script or play.

A dramatic text defines the plot, characters, dialogues, and actions that take place on stage. It also sets the tone and style of the presentation, defining its genre and mood. On the other hand, scenography creates sets, costumes, lighting, and other elements that help actors and viewers immerse themselves in the world of the play.

It is important to note that the correct structure of a dramatic text strongly influences its perception. Thus, the permutation of one act with another or the isolation of a phenomenon from the overall composition can change the entire performance.

The combination of acts, scenes, and episodes in a drama creates a dynamic structure that helps develop the plot, reveal the characters, and hold the audience's attention. These elements serve as key tools for directors and playwrights to create an unforgettable piece of theater.

Scenography in drama helps to visualize and complement a dramatic text through physical space and visual elements. Here are some key aspects of scenography in drama:

1.       Scenery: Scenographic elements, such as scenery, can set the scene and create the atmosphere of a piece. For example, decorations can represent the interior of a house, a street, a natural space, and so on.

2.     Costumes: Character costumes help you define the era, style, and characters. They can highlight the differences between characters and help the viewer better understand them.

3.     Light and Sound: Lighting and sound effects are important for creating mood and accentuating key moments in dramatic action. For example, a change in lighting may indicate a change in the time of day or a transition between scenes.

4.    Directing: The director plays a key role in the organization of scenography. It decides which elements to use, how to position them on stage, and how they will interact with the dramatic text and actors.

Scenography in drama helps to create a visual and emotional impact on the audience, and also complements the dramatic text, making the theatrical performance more vivid and memorable.

It is important to note that the scenography should not be static. It can change during the performance to reflect changes in the plot or mood of the play. This allows viewers to dive deeper into the action and experience the dynamics of what is happening.

Dramatic text and scenography in the theater have a deep relationship, as they jointly create a theatrical work and convey its meaning and emotions to the audience. Here's how they interact:

1.       Determining the place and time of action: The dramatic text defines the place and time in which the action takes place. Scenography visualizes this information through the scenery and costumes, which helps the viewer to dive more deeply into the plot.

2.     Atmosphere and mood: The dramatic text conveys the emotional states of the characters and the overall mood of the work. Scenography with its light, sound and visual elements can emphasize or complement this mood, enhancing the effect on the viewer.

3.     Action Support: The scenery and placement of actors on stage can accentuate important points in a dramatic text. For example, changing the background or using symbolic elements may emphasize conflict or resolution in the story.

4.    Characters and Relationships: Actors ' costumes and makeup can help create unique character images that match their character and role in the story. This makes them more visual and recognizable to the viewer.

The interaction between the drama and the stage space creates a unique atmosphere and allows the audience to empathize with the characters and follow the plot development. The set design can be minimalistic or complex, depending on the style of the play and the director's preferences.