A Critique of Endgame and Play

The mis-en-scene which is the arrangement of actors and scenery in a theatrical production is vital to the success of a play. Throughout this critique I will review two different plays and examine their use of costume, lighting, and set design to convey a message through a strong mis-en-scene.

“Play” opens with three figures encased in large urns with only their faces visible. The urn as a prop is significant because it symbolizes the individuals’ being trapped by their own desires; doomed to repeat them. They can neither see nor hear one another. A spotlight, acting as a voiceless interrogator projected on the faces of the actors, swivels between them prompting each in turn to speak; when the light leaves, the faces fall silent. A man and two women (a husband, his wife and his mistress) are compelled by the light to recount the story of their love triangle. Through precise use of lighting, shadows, and props the audience is compelled to become fascinated with the story. As the bodies repeatedly recount their stories, various tones are used to describe/convey new details each time. “Play” begins with a humorous tone, but with each repetition the story becomes darker and wearier? However, the consistency of that single set makes for a powerful message and keeps the audience in tune and focused.

The play “Endgame” opens by initiating the sole mise-en-scene of the play. It is early morning, and Clov has entered a barren room containing two trash cans (covered with an old sheet) and an armchair on casters (also covered with an old sheet). The light of the rising sun suffuses the room as this event takes place. Using a ladder, Clov begins his daily ritual of drawing back the curtains of two small windows (fir...

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...ul boring being costumes, Hamm was dressed in red, this representing how he views himself about the universe and play. As a visual designer I gained the importance of what an individual set could do for a play, and how this is one of the main components. This play was the first time I had seen a play that can use one set, and it’s definitely a way to think about future projects and how having one consistent theme rather than integrating multiple ones can be powerful for a story, I also found it fascinating that the author of the play use a hobby of his and incorporated it into the play in a unique way.

Works Cited

A.C.T Theater. "Endgame And Play." Web. 22 May 2012.

Class Reading. "Analysis of Endgame." Web. 22 May 2012.

"Mise-en-Scene." What Is Mise-en-scene? Web. 22 May 2012. .