Introduction
When it comes to producing a theatrical play, it is director’s responsibility to be in charge of the whole concept, while its component artistic and technical elements are usually brought to life with the help of actors, designers and technical team. The collaboration of the contractors is the key of effectually delivering the message of the play to the audience. This is particularly important, when the meaning of the play is as sacred as in Trifles by Susan Glaspell. Therefore, in order to convey the message in the most accurate manner, the play director must focus on performance and technical elements, simultaneously.
Technical Solutions
Using of Props
The word used in the title of the discussed play, Trifles, represents small, unmeaningful and mostly useless things; thus, it implies the great use of various props in staging. The plot of the play is based on the investigation of the murder that happened in the early 1900’s. The male detectives that work on that case tend to overlook the vital evidences while searching through the kitchen, since they are attributes of the female life and therefore, of a little importance to them. The script describes the farmhouse kitchen as messy, filled with a lot of stuff, that is called “nothing […] but kitchen things” (Glaspel 3) by sheriff. However, by close look, all of these trifles can tell a story. That is why, the massive use of props while directing this play is essential.
Installation of Lighting
In my opinion, another tool that can enhance the play is the proper lighting. First, it helps the audience to grasp the understanding of the time and the atmosphere that events take place in. For instance, in the beginning of Trifles the main characters are gathered around fireplace, that casts a light on the characters and the “gloomy” abandoned kitchen (Glaspel 1). As a director, I would also like to use light to channel the tense, binding atmosphere of the house, where an unhappy couple used to live at. Additionally, I would like for lighting to be set precisely; thus, all of the trifles can be highlighted. As was mentioned, the script describes a chaotic setting, where many small things with various characteristics and seeming imperfections can be found. The proper lighting will help the audience to see the Trifles in all the details.
Multimedia Settings
In order for a theater play to be exciting to the audience, it should be contemporary and up-to-date, even if it is based on a century old story. For that matter, as a director, I would like to set up a multimedia setting, that implies a use of projections among other things. Virtual projections can substitute the classical scenery, therefore helping to absorb the audience to another age (Genova and Khilko 75). That way, the atmosphere of the historical era and the house surroundings will be in the viewers’ reach. Simultaneously, the scenery will not distract the audience from props of the trifles, that play a vital role in the script.
Performance Solutions
Involving Movement
One of the main points made by Trifles by Susan Glaspell is how women and their interests remain unnoticed by the men, who have more power. Thus, in the script, female protagonists often leave important things unsaid or “inarticulate”, but still understandable to the audience (Medalle 345). The women have to be quiet in the particular situation, and in general. And since the dialogues include a lot of whispering and silence, the movements of the actors, along with their facial expressions are the literary elements that will allow to make their message loud for the public. For instance, Glaspell describes the communication between two women, who look for evidence:
MRS HALE: Do you think she did it?
MRS PETERS: (in a frightened voice) Oh, I don’t know.
MRS HALE: Well, I don’t think she did. […].
MRS PETERS: (starts to speak, glances up, where footsteps are heard in the room above. In a low voice) Mr Peters says it looks bad for her. (5)
Tension
Since I am directing a story that is originally detective, I need to focus on capturing the tension of the happening events. Along with the suspense of the investigation, the situation is aggravated by wives versus husbands’ conflict that is the root of the story. When county attorney shames the suspected Mrs. Wright for the mess on her kitchen, his wife strains as she takes it personally, and therefor tries to defend the fellow woman: “There’s a great deal of work to be done on a farm” (Glaspell 3). Moreover, the tension can be portrayed by the way, how two female participants of the investigation are always together and hold on each other in this male-dominated scenery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as a director for the theatrical production of the play Trifles, scripted by Susan Glaspell, I would use all of the listed above elements of technical and performance origin. The message told by the play should be clear to the viewers. Thus, if all of the discussed solutions are incorporated in the play properly, then it will allow it to grab the audience attention and possibly influence the audience and help people understand the message in the play.
Works Cited
Genova, Nina, and Khilko Nikolai. “Using Media Technologies in The Theatre Process and Media Education Training for the Future Theatre Directors.” Mediaobrazovanie, no. 1, 2021, pp. 70-76.
Glaspell, Susan. Trifles: A Play in One Act. Boston, Walter H. Baker, 1924.
Medalle, Rovie Herrera. “On Susan Glaspell’s Trifles and “A Jury of her Peers:” Centennial Essays, Interviews and Adaptations.” Revista de Estudios Norteamericanos, no. 22, 2018, pp. 343-347.