Pictures of history: the scenographic construction of Clifford Odets' 1938 play "Rocket to the Moon"

Abstract

In documenting the set and costume design for Clifford Odets' play Rocket to the Moon (produced by the University of Calgary and performed at the University Theatre in October, 2003), this paper explores the concept of historical representation in performance. According to both Constantin Stanislavski's methodology for actor training and Bertolt Brecht's dramaturgical philosophies, scenic design for the theatre takes on a role that goes far beyond the basic function of indicating time and place. Even though Odets' play takes place during a specific time in history, the play is less a representation of an era, than a representation of how Odets viewed the era. Therefore, the nature in which the environment of the play was crafted carried the potential of affecting the play's interpretation, first by the actors, and then, consequently by the audience itself.