Project: The Investigation
Event: Theatre Production
Location: Arcola
Date: June 2005
The Investigation offered a serious challenge in that the author, Peter Weiss had stated that there should be little on stage to detract from the narrative of this oratorio. The performance space at The Arcola Theatre in North London was very restrictive as the performance required 19 characters to be visibly interact. Adding to the problem were several pillars in the space that could potentially loose seating capacity or force the set far away from the audience.
Angles became central to this design, not only in the limited space available in which to place the set, but also within the set itself. Weiss did not want any form of visual interpretation or reference to Auschwitz, so expression was limited to subtle abstractions. Shadows of character silhouettes were caught on walls behind the witnesses and defendants. The model box shows just how restrictive the space was. 120 people were accommodated, with the design pivoting around a central column.
The Investigation
