Theatre Design & Technology - Spring 2010 - 32

Making
the Scene
a History of stage
Design and
technology in
europe and
the Unitedstates
By Oscar G. Brockett,
Margaret Mitchell, and
Linda Hardberger

response, which was given in French. "A dance instructor can teach all of
the popular steps and techniques, but that instructor would not be called
a chorographer. A choreographer brings the art to the dance and tells a
story while the instructor only teaches technique. A scenographer brings
the art to the production. A scenographer tells a story that helps to enlighten the audience's understanding of the production."
In the years since vychodil's tenure at UCSb the use of the word scenography or scenographer has not really taken hold in the U.S. (It has become common in Canada and the U.K., however, and continues to be used
throughout Europe.) but the scenographic approach to design has steadfastly infiltrated the training and the work of designers. Concept papers and
statements are commonly required of students who exhibit at adjudicated
events and discussions of imagery and non-verbal stimuli are regular parts
of early design meetings. The question, does the design work to enhance the
ideas of the play?, is regularly asked by adjudicators, teachers, and producers. The emphasis in teaching design has moved from the techniques of
design (rendering, model making, etc.) to the art of design.
Attributing the shift of emphasis primarily or even generally to Professor vychodil or to the workshop in Santa barbara would be a difficult call to
make. Other factors, including books and articles by Jarka burian, the work
and workshops of Josef Svoboda, the Prague Quadrennial, and the increase
in international conferences have all contributed to the change. However,
vychodil did have a profound influence on many people. When I learned
of his death I sent out a request for quotes about him from those who had
worked on shows with him or had taken his workshops at UCSb (1974),
Concordia University in Montreal (1983), or in San diego (1987). The response was enormous and virtually everyone who responded mentioned his
willingness to share his knowledge and the influence that he had on their
approach to theatre. Just as Professor vychodil would have wanted it I will
let his students' words attest to his influence.

Winner of the 2010 USITT
Golden Pen Award, Making
the Scene is a lively, beautifully illustrated history
of theatrical stage design
from ancient Greek times to
the present.
Distributed for the Tobin Foundation
for Theatre Arts

300 color & 50 b&w illustrations
$85.00 hardcover

Universit y of
t e xa s P r e s s
read more about this book online
800.252.3206

w w w. u t e x a s p r e s s . c o m

Thomas Hall:
As cliché as it might sound, my time with Ladislav Vychodil was a life
changing experience. He provided me with my introduction to scenography
as a means of theatrical, intellectual, and emotional expression. The
experience literally derailed my headlong march to law school and set me
on a path toward a career in the arts. Not only was he a brilliant designer,
he was a master teacher who nurtured, cajoled and challenged students
to have a world view and to express it fully. He taught me to think in new
ways and to cherish the artist as one who most often leads others to deeper
understanding.
The Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre, Dallas, Texas

Bill Groener:
When Vychodil came to Santa Barbara, I was apprehensive and nervous.

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He was a world famous scenographer and he did not speak English. While I
looked forward to his arrival, I was not really sure how this would work and
I feared that he would not think very highly of our work at UCSB.
What arrived in Santa Barbara was one of the most talented men I
have ever met. His vision and creativity were outstanding. His ability to

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communicate easily surpassed his lack of English. His desire to teach and
collaborate was everywhere evident. His warmth and personality were
genuine and sincere.

Theatre Equipment | Systems | Integration

www.secoa.com
30

theatre

design

technology

S P R I N G

2010

It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It changed my
outlook and perspective and has influenced my work ever since.

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Theatre Design & Technology - Spring 2010