Andrew Hungerford
The Dragon
Author: Andrew Hungerford
Performance space: Know Theatre of Cincinnati
Theatre company/company produced for: Know Theatre/MadCap Puppets
Month & year of original production: April-May 2011
Description of items intended for exhibition:
Drawing
Prop
Project description:
Know Theatre and MadCap Puppets collaborated on this adaptation of Eugene Schwarz's classic political play The Dragon, conceived and directed by Irina Niculescu and adapted by playwright Alison Vodnoy, with music by John Lewandowski and Chris Douglas.
By using a combination of puppets and live actors, the production was able to explore and emphasize themes of control and manipulation while utilizing a theatrical from that is often perceived in America as a children's entertainment.
For the production design, we drew inspiration from the aesthetic of Expressionism in both film and theatre, using The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari as a particular touchstone. It was a fascinating challenge as scenographer to design not just the world of the play, but the characters within the play as well.
The scenery is an abstract cityscape, inspired by a Giacommeti sketch. The hard metal framework implies the structure of surrounding buildings while also giving a sense of confinement.
Artform:
Set Design
Puppetry
Lighting Design
Designers:
Set designer: Andrew Hungerford
Costume designer: Noelle Wedig
Lighting designer: Andrew Hungerford
Sound designer: Doug Borntrager
Director/choreographer: Irina Niculescu
Other creative collaborators: Puppet design by: Andrew Hungerford Music By: John Lewandowski and Chris Douglas
Image gallery
Drawings
Scenic Drawings and initial rendering.
Puppet Collection
A collection of the various puppets designed for the show, grouped by character class.
The City
The first view of the city as revealed on Lancelot's entrance. A moon floats above the abstracted lines of the cityscape.
Henry in the Park.
Henry waits for Elsa in the park.
Goodbye
Lancelot says goodbye to Elsa before heading to battle as the Dragon looks on.
Aftermath
After the Dragon's defeat, the townspeople stand in shock as smoke swirls around them.