Theatrical curtain. Theater stage equipment and decoration

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Everyone who has been to the theater remembers that the theater curtain is an important part of the interior and stage design. This attribute has undergone significant changes with the development of technical thought and the evolution of theatrical art. And today the curtain of the stage is just a piece of matter on a cord, but technically sophisticated equipment with many features and functions.

History

The stage curtain was first used in the theater of Ancient Greece. He signaled the beginning and end of the theatrical action. The curtain, as a complex piece of equipment, was invented around the 17th century, when the theater stage was in full swing. At this time, movable scenery appeared, more and more attention of production designers was paid to scenography, and the curtain becomes not only a technical element in changing pictures, but also an additional expressive opportunity.

In the 18th century, the stage design and the curtain became an important part of the story of the play. Sometimes they played a very important role. With the advent of the box stage, the curtain took on a new meaning and became an integral part of the production.

In the 20th century, set designers even morereinforce the extreme importance of this stage design element. Projects in which curtains were prepared especially for the performance became frequent. For example, for the production of Lermontov's "Masquerade" at the Mariinsky Theater, the famous theater designer A. Golovin created 10 curtains for each change of scenes.

Destination

First of all, the theatrical curtain performs the function of protecting the stage from the eyes of the audience. He does not allow to see the design and scenery before the action begins, he fences off the stage for the duration of the change of scenery. But, in addition, the curtain has aesthetic tasks. First, it signals the start of a performance. Opening the curtain takes the viewer into the world of fantasy, at this moment he tunes in to the atmosphere of conventionality and illusion of the theater. Secondly, the curtain can be used as part of the artistic space of the performance and even as a separate character. For example, in the "Hamlet" of the Taganka Theater, he played the role of Time, Fate, Doom, etc.

The curtain is an additional means of expression, for example? light draperies or stylized curtains can create the illusion of some kind of terrain or room. Even the absence of it can be a certain artistic principle - some modern theaters refuse it. This is how the brainchild of K. Raikin "Satyricon" works.

Apparatus and equipment

The theater, the stage only from the side of the auditorium look grand and even romantic. Even at the time of its invention, the curtain was quitecomplex mechanism, which over time has been greatly modernized. A single drive system is used to ensure smooth, synchronous and uniform sliding and spreading of the curtain. At first it worked on manual traction, later on electric, today it is regulated by computer control.

The lift-and-lower mechanism ensures even movement of a very heavy structure. In order for the side parts not to sway, heavy guides are attached to them. The most complex design provides both sliding and lifting movement. For the operation of the curtain, a so-called road is being built. There are several varieties of it: linear, non-linear, cable. Today, complex rail systems are used to move the curtain, which are controlled from a remote control.

Typologies

Fulfilling numerous tasks, the theater curtain can be of different types. There are several classifications: according to the method of opening, according to the function in the performance, according to the historically established methods of drapery. You can also distinguish types of curtains by the method of control and traction, in this case they call manual, mechanical, electrical and electronic mechanisms.

There are attempts to classify stage draperies according to the material from which they were made. So, velvet and linen curtains are distinguished. But such a division is untenable, since the curtain is a multilayer structure that includes an outer layer, as well as an inner, shadow layer, each of which was sewn from different fabrics.

Views by opening method

Along the trajectory of movement, such types of theatrical curtains as sliding and up-and-down curtains stand out.

The mechanism of the sliding product must provide a complete overlap of the stage from the eyes of the audience, this is facilitated by a special design with a large smell - the entry of one canvas onto another. The canvases are mounted on different rails, and when approached, one comes after the other. Also, the sliding mechanism must ensure the synchronous movement of the canvases. It is based on a single drive system.

Every theater, for which the stage is its heart, makes sure that the curtain control mechanism always works flawlessly: quickly, smoothly, synchronously and silently. It is believed that a sliding curtain has greater expressive possibilities than a falling one. Folds, rhythm of movement are distinguished by their ability to convey emotion. The Bolshoi Theater is proud of such a curtain, the large stage of which is decorated with a magnificent sliding canvas in the form of a tapestry.

Lifting and lowering mechanisms are more ancient in appearance. Even in the ancient Greek theater there was a curtain, which, before the start of the performance, fell into a special slot and rose from it at the end of the spectacle. The lowering mechanism is based on a system of counterweights; special guides on the sides protect the canvas from swinging.

There are also combined curtains, which combine the possibilities of horizontal extension and vertical lifting-lowering. They representis the most complex structure.

In addition, you can also find folding curtains in which the canvas is folded into one, two, three or four additions. Such models allow you to close only the upper half of the stage space and are an additional decoration.

An important element of the performance

The possibilities of the curtain are used in the creation of the performance, and on this basis they are divided into play and intermission. The theater intermission curtain is a means of enclosing the space of the stage before the start of each action and to complete the performance. These models are part of the permanent design of the stage. Game models are created specifically for certain performances and are part of the scenography. They can be part of the overall scenery, play the role of a pictorial overture, located on the zero plane of the stage. Game curtains are designed to create a special atmosphere of the performance, and are combined with it in style and genre.

Light curtain

There is a special variety that is created with light. Modern theatrical equipment makes it possible to replace matter with light from spotlights, which will serve as a curtain. The principle of its operation is to illuminate particles suspended in the air. There are two options for creating such a curtain: horizontal and ramp. In the first case, the rows of spotlights are directed horizontally towards each other. To ensure uniformity of the curtain, it is often supported by a black, velvet stage backdrop. The second way is tothe direction of narrow streams of light from the gap in the proscenium to the ceiling of the auditorium, which is upholstered in black velvet. The light curtain perfectly performs the function of blocking the stage from the views of the audience, and also plays the role of a special expressive device, which, when repeated many times, only enhances its effect.

Historical types

There are also several options for curtains, named after the theaters in which they were used. So, there is an Austrian model, which is distinguished by assemblies in the form of large folds that pick up the canvas up. The Venetian variety has a similar pattern, it is only decorated with additional vertical folds. The curtain, called "Italian", is very common in classical theaters. It consists of two vertical canvases, which rise upwards by the lower corners. There are also the following varieties: kabuki, openwork, Wagner and Brecht curtains.

Design

In addition to design differences, curtains, of course, can have a special design. Obviously, the design of the stage should be combined with the interior of the theater, as well as fit the performance being played. Often directors create special curtains for their productions, in addition, famous theaters often have their own unique curtains, which become their trademark. So, the Bolshoi Theater, whose large stage is decorated with a historical "golden" curtain, spent a lot of effort and money to restore this famous product. At the Mariinsky Theater curtain A. Golovin 1914 is considered the official emblem. Just like the curtain of the Moscow Art Theater, created together with the design of the building and the interior by F. Shekhtel.