The Visit: Set design (revolves, trucks, projection, multimedia, pyrotechnics, smoke machines, flying)

The Visit: Set design (revolves, trucks, projection, multimedia, pyrotechnics, smoke machines, flying)

Set Design in The Visit

Understanding Revolves

  • Revolves, or turntables, can create a dynamically changing environment, challenging time and space perceptions. They provide a non-static, visually engaging way to transition between scenes.

  • For example, the turning of the revolve might symbolise the turning of fate and fortune in The Visit.

Truck Use

  • Trucks, movable platforms, allow for quick changes of setting. These set pieces can be rolled on and off stage, contributing to efficient transitions between scenes.

  • When used creatively, trucks can also offer layered depth on stage, providing different levels for actors to perform on.

Projection and Multimedia

  • Projecting images or videos on the backdrop, or even on characters, can add a visual layer of context - it might display a character’s thoughts, memories, or foreshadow events.

  • In The Visit, projection could visualise the drastic shift in wealth among the townspeople, or nostalgically recall Guellen’s past prosperity.

Pyrotechnics and Smoke

  • Pyrotechnics and smoke can heighten dramatic impact through their sensational effect. They can symbolise danger, decisiveness or even a character’s emotional state.

  • In The Visit, pyrotechnics could be used during key dramatic moments. For example, Claire’s entrance, or the final execution to underscore the climax.

Incorporating Flying

  • Characters or sets being flown can aid in creating spectacular visuals and dramatic illusions. It may represent freedom, escapism or a change in power dynamics.

  • Claire’s final departure might be depicted via flying to signify her triumphant escape from societal judgement, and to denote her untouchability.

Holistic View

  • While understanding each element is important, it’s crucial to remember that all these techniques should serve a purpose in driving the plot, revealing information or enhancing the overall thematic understanding.

  • An effective set design will use these techniques in harmony, thus creating a richly symbolic and coherent visual narrative that underpins the performance of The Visit.