Cloud Nine: Prop Design

Understanding Prop Design:

Prop design in theatre encompasses all movable objects on stage used by actors to tell the story.
In Cloud Nine, prop design manifests as a method to reinforce the play’s central themes and narrative.

Victorian Props in Act I:

Act I utilises Victorian-based props that assist in creating the colonial African setting while under British rule.
Props such as the whip and doll are potent symbols of authority, oppression and enforced gender roles.
The traditional Victorian dinner table set-up further represents societal conventions and prescribed hierarchy.

Contemporary Props in Act II:

Act II employs props indicative of 1970s London, reflecting the shift in time and place.
Props like the children’s toys and character specific items such as Edward’s paint brushes signify personal growth, independence and the breaking away from restrictive norms.
The use of modern technology such as the telephone hints at the passage of time and the vast socio-political changes that have occurred.

Role of Prop Design in Characterisation:

Prop design in Cloud Nine contributes significantly to character development. The change in the type and use of props from Act I to Act II indicates the evolution of characters.
For instance, Edward’s progression from playing with a traditional feminine, Victorian doll to his own paintbrushes symbolises his journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

Symbolism and Metaphor in Prop Design:

Props in Cloud Nine often serve a symbolic or metaphoric function. The whip, for instance, summarises the authoritative and oppressive circumstances of colonial rule.
The changed toy preference of Edward and Victoria from a doll and drum in Act I to more neutral or preferred toys in Act II metaphorically represents the liberation from gendered expectations.

Impact on Audience Perception:

The combination of realistic and symbolic prop usage in Cloud Nine contributes to shaping the audience’s understanding of the theme and narrative of the play.
The stark contrast in the prop design between the two acts draws the audience’s attention to societal and personal changes over time.
By paying attention to the prop design, viewers gain improved insights into the societal critique and character development that Churchill aims to portray in Cloud Nine.