One of the main problems the production team are facing with the Film Project is the lack of a substantial budget. This means that all equipment must be sourced for free, and it requires the building of rapport with particular people in order to borrow the right pieces.
Initially, I was very concerned that this would greatly inhibit the work we would be able to do and the way in which the designers' pieces would fit together. However, after discussions and emails, I have managed to secure the use of the main items for the two weeks surrounding the performances, and have contacts who may be able to help with the remaining things.
Working without a budget on a film project is one thing, as it forces you to find projectors and electronic equipment. But it got me thinking about Grotowski's Poor Theatre, which aims to produce theatre with little or no money, set, and props. According to Encyclopaedia Brittanica, Grotowski's work takes place in "simple circumstances", impacting its audience with the least amount of effort.
Last week I went to see two shows performed by the Fourth Monkey Theatre company. Both of these shows (4:48 Psychosis and Lord of the Flies) had no set whatsoever, and very limited props. The main atmosphere within the Theatro Technis venue was created through clever lighting by Pablo Baz, who has been nominated for an Offie because of his work on these shows. It proved that theatre can be done on a very small scale but with just as much impact as big spectacles, as it is left to the actors to really draw on the imagination of the audience.
As Technical Stage Manager, it may be left to me to ensure that the atmosphere of the studio as a whole is such that engages the audience without set, or large effects, but just through the placement of lighting and the 'flow' of the projects. It is definitely something I will keep in mind when investigating the studio space further and solidifying the ideas presented by the designers.
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