Dimension Directing �Using Archetypal Elements �and Lost Symbols
GET YOUR JUJU ON!
*JuJu = magic or luck
Use archetypal elements and symbols to create a cohesive show that will appeal to the subconscious of your audience.
Script: �Homefree�by Lisa Loomer
Script: �Homefree�by Lisa Loomer
Create an Archetypal Design Plan �
Identify the conflicts:
Correlate to symbols
CONFLICT SYMBOLS� Script: Homefree�
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CONFLICT SYMBOLS� Script: Homefree�
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CONFLICT SYMBOLS� Script: Homefree�
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CONFLICT SYMBOLS� Script: Homefree�
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CONFLICT SYMBOLS� Script: Homefree�
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SHAPES of GOOD, LOVE, NURTURING: Intertwined, connected, circular
SHAPES of BAD, HATE: Sharp, Broken, Jagged, Straight
Hawthorne Park, Oregon:
Medford, Oregon
Hawthorne Park, Oregon:
Medford, Oregon
Hawthorne Park, Oregon:
Medford, Oregon
Hawthorne Park, Oregon:
Medford, Oregon
Hawthorne Park, Oregon:
Medford, Oregon
Hawthorne Park, Oregon:
Medford, Oregon
Tinseltown, USD
Medford, Oregon
Tinseltown, USD
Medford, Oregon
Hawthorne Park
Medford, Oregon
Hawthorne, Park
Medford, Oregon
Ashland, Oregon:
Ashland, Oregon:
Craftsman Houses
BREEZY, JJ, & FRANKLIN OBJECTS:
Broken,
SHANNON & AARON OBJECTS:
Broken,
JEN, VERIN, HOWARD, OBJECTS:
Broken,
JUGGALO, MEGAN, OBJECTS:
WOMAN, COP OBJECTS:
Broken,
DETECTIVE, OBJECTS:
PARK BENCHES, TREES, STUMPS
CHAIRS, TABLES
COLOR SYMBOLISM
COLOR
SYMBOLISM
COLOR SYMBOLISM
COLOR SYMBOLISM:
JJ: (talker, dreamer, funny, damaged, liar, macho, violent, alcoholic)
Breezy (Tough, vulnerable, hopeful, great spirit, prefers to laugh)
Franklin (smart, wry, gay, good friend)
COLOR SYMBOLISM:
Shannon (earth mother figure, warm, optimistic, a traveler)
Aaron (educated, concerned, wise, maybe schizophrenic)
Jen (dedicated, obedient Christian, loving mom.)
COLOR SYMBOLISM:
Verin (Veteran of the 60’s Alcoholic)
Howard (Good Christian man)
Juggalos (Gang kid, violent, nuts)
Megan (Meth addict, big plans)
COLOR SYMBOLISM:
Lou (Poor, drunk, mean.)
Gloria (Jehovah’s Witness, frightened child.)
Stepdad (Persuasive.)
JJ’s Dad (Quiet, brutal.)
Cop (protector or law enforcer)
Detective (protector or law enforcer)
EXAMPLES OF HOW TO INTEGRATE SOUND
THROUGH ARCHETYPAL ELEMENTS
Add organic sounds to symbolically complement the elements (use as background sound or transition):
EARTH – drumbeats, thuds, bangs, stomps
AIR – wind/wind chimes, sliding feet
FIRE – crackling, hissing
WATER – rain sticks, objects rolling in bowl
Add verbal tones and paces to speech:
EARTH – firm, steady, comforting, solid
AIR – whispering, breathy, flighty,
FIRE – hissing consonants, explosive words, warmth
WATER – rippling echoes, babbling, soothing, thirsty/parched
EXAMPLES OF HOW TO INTEGRATE MOVEMENT
THROUGH ARCHETYPAL ELEMENTS
EARTH – deliberate, even steps, plodding, trekking
AIR – twirling skirts, spiral blocking
FIRE - thrusting, jutting
WATER – fluid, swirling
ALL HUMANS HAVE BOTH FEMININE AND MASCULINE ASPECTS.
FEMININE ASPECT – moves in circles and spirals; coming full circle, luring, evading, internal; silhouette in S-curves
MASCULINE ASPECT - moves in straight lines from point A to B; forward and advancing/external; silhouette in sharp angles/triangles
When a character moves from one aspect to the other, their movement and silhouette changes.
ADVANCES AND RETREATS/OBSTACLES
Notes from the author, Lisa Loomer
“The play is about people who have their own sense of things like “time” and “place.” They argue a lot, they riff, they get high, there’s not a lot else to do, But, though the kids’ lives seem random, the story’s headed someplace dark. And the production needs to tell us that. In Michael Matthews’ production at the Road Theatre, this was accomplished in scene changes with were dynamic, driving, and loud. Whether a production uses music or moving set pieces, it helps to have an overlay that drives the story… which is a f*cked up urban fairy tale about cast-out kids.” ~ Lisa Loomer
Production Photos from Michael Matthews’ production
Notes from the author, Lisa Loomer
“Beat boxing (drum-like or percussive sounds made by mouth by street musicians) should be the transition between scenes. This can be picked up and magnified by the sound system backstage.
There’s a folk-like song composed by JJ which keeps getting longer, if not better.
The violent, white sub-genre of rap music called horrorcore is also part of this world. Horrorcore’s most known group is Insane Clown Posse (ICP) a white group whose music is gory, anarchic, and violent. Juggalos are their disciples, suburban wannabe gang kids who wear clown makeup or clown hair.”
Thoughts about objects and symbolism
Set Ideas
Set Ideas
Set Ideas
Set Ideas
Set Ideas
UIL OAP “Buried Child” directed and designed by Natasha Tolson
UIL OAP “Buried Child” directed and designed by Natasha Tolson
UIL OAP “Buried Child” directed and designed by Natasha Tolson
UIL OAP “Buried Child” directed and designed by Natasha Tolson
Thoughts about objects and symbolism