Caligula: use of performance space

The entire play unfolds within the confines of Caligula’s palace, creating an intimate environment for the audience.
The depiction of the palace signifies authority and control. The grandeur of the setting emphasizes Caligula’s stature and power.
The setting also serves as a breeding ground for the fear and paranoia that underlines the narrative, punctuated by the oppressive ambiance of the palace.

The entrances and exits of characters can be used to signify shifts in authority. Caligula’s entrances, especially, echo his dominance and the unpredictability of his rule.
Exits may be used to underscore the emotional journey of characters, furthering tension and narrative progression. For example, a quick exit might represent the urgency of a situation, while a slow, calculated exit might signify a character’s contemplation.

Stairs or elevated platforms could be used to visibly denote the power dynamics at play, with Caligula residing higher than everyone else. This physicality can help denote his assumed superiority and arbitrary authority.
Use of a thrust stage or in-the-round might be considered in order to involve the audience more and make them complicit in the action. It could also mirror the scrutiny under which Caligula places his subjects.
The minimal use of props and reliance on actors as the main focus could highlight the idea of Absurdism in the play, reducing distractions and allowing the complex discourse between characters to stand out.

Blocking and spatial relationships on stage can be used to represent characters’ relationships and status. For instance, Caligula might keep a distance from other characters signifying isolating and dominant power.
Crowding of stage during certain scenes might be used to represent the chaos and claustrophobia of Caligula’s reign, contrasting with scenes where Caligula is alone on stage to show his isolation.

Lighting can be used effectively to enhance the atmosphere of a scene, for example, intense light when Caligula is brainstorming his philosophical ideas contrasts against dark shadows to reflect on his tyranny.
Sound effects or silence could be implemented to heighten the tension or underscore pivotal moments within the play. For instance, resounding silence following Caligula’s sadistic decisions can magnify the shock experienced by other characters and the audience.
The use of live music or soundscape, if chosen, needs to echo the tone of the scenes, enhancing emotional resonance and furthering the depth of absurdity present.

Positioning of characters on stage as per their roles can help depict the relationships and power dynamics, often aligning with their relative status in relation to Caligula.
Actions like quick movements or slow gestures can be carefully choreographed to match the tempo and mood of the dialogue, adding layers to the performance.
The manipulation of stage space, movement, and orientation towards other characters can express the underlying intentions and emotional states of the characters.