OPC + Prospero's Family Tree + Directional Ideas

Original Performance Circumstances (OPC)

1. Renaissance Period

The Renaissance period between 1567 and 1642 was a time of religious, economic, and political changes & developments which mainly took place within science, literature, the arts and philosophy. 

This overlapped with the reign of Elizabeth I (1558 to 1603) The Elizabethan Era. Considered by many historians to be the golden age in English History and is perhaps most famous for its theatre.

What is the current climate in the theatre industry? What makes money? What struggles?
London dominates, accounting for 47% of all theatre performances in England in 2014; local authority funding has fallen by 50% in the years leading up to 2014-15; theatre audiences and workforces both lack diversity of all kinds, and a small number of hit shows – often musicals – account for a large proportion of box office income, with 36 out of 1,864 accounting for 56% of box office income.

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/theatreblog/2016/oct/20/arts-council-england-releases-report-on-british-theatre


2. Royalty

Queen Elizabeth I, had a taste for the Theatre and the Privy Council's support. Theatres sprang up in the suburbs, especially in Southwark, accessible across the Thames. Theatre was banned in the area deemed the City of London..The companies protected themselves further by pretending that their public performances were rehearsals for performances intended for the Queen. Under Elizabeth, drama became a more unified expression as far as social class was concerned: the Court watched the same plays the commoners saw in the public playhouses. New plays were in demand and the Theatres were thriving and well supported.

How has the role of the queen changed?

The queen now has less involvement in politics, and is used more for tourist purposes. The value of the monarchy on the British economy was £56.7 billion in 2015.

http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/money/money-tips/how-the-queen-and-the-royal-family-boost-the-uk-economy-11364067030820

((( OTHER OPC'S )))

                       Prospero's family tree

Directional Ideas for lighting and sound: 

Set design / Lighting ideas

I'd like to use on-stage lighting, such as kerosene lamps to give the island a mystical atmosphere, especially in scenes that include spirits and magic. I'd like it if they were hanging from a lighting rig, so that they would illuminate the actors faces. 

Sound

I would like eery music throughout the play.

Costumes

I would like symplistic costumes so that the audience will focus solely on the vocals and movements of the actors, so i would dress them in tight clothing in plain colours.