the white plague, prague quadrennial competition 2020
- Anouk H.H.
- Dec 13, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: May 11, 2021
“The White Plague” by Karel Čapek is full of metaphors that we can relate to in the year of 2020. Through the development of science and technology we have designed a new world compared to the one Čapek experienced in 1937. However, we are facing similar problems. I wanted to represent this through my design and focused on the scientific aspect of the play: viruses and bacteria.
The performance is set in a Cooling Tower of an abandoned power plant. This already creates a cold, lonely atmosphere. Using the height of the space creates an impactful visual for the audience.
Through the process of researching and designing the space I decided to use the large floor plan of the tower as an on-end theatre, in order to manage both the movement and position of the audience and the action.
Hovering above the audience is a large Projection in the shape of a microscope, representing and comparing the government surveillance of society to the observation of bacteria by scientists. The DNA spiral entangles during the performance with the microscope, conveying the relationship viruses have with it. Every time humans are exposed to a new virus, our DNA changes. Whenever a new, significant character is introduced, the DNA takes on a stained yellow colour. This is a visualisation of the effect a person has on the DNA of society and to the final downfall of the story.
To represent the environmental destruction the set is simple and coldly discoloured. In contrast to that, costumes are brighter, colourful and humoresque. This portrays the blind actions we continue to do despite being very aware of the environmental damage it causes. With the pandemic being a heavy reminder, society depends more on transport and technology.
The aim of this performance is to raise awareness and let the audience learn about the scientific link in the play and today’s society, but to also remain optimistic and to remind us to find joy in life. People use humour to cope during tragic times, and this play should support this psychology.
Comments