Comparative Performance Analysis

In class we watched two productions of Uncle Vanya, one was 42nd Street, the other was done by Lawrence Olivier. The Lawrence Olivier production was an older version of the play, while the other was a more modern approach to the play. Both productions were very different and seemed to have very different approaches to the play. For some of the characters the acting was very different, but the main difference seemed to be the set and location.

The set on both productions was very simplistic, with only a slight amount of detailed props and set. In the older version, the set consisted mainly of just a large table and chairs, with a samovar resting on top of the table. The production was also produced on one stage, and seemed to have only one backdrop. In the 42nd Street version the acting went on in different parts of the building in which the play was taking place. This change of location really added to the whole feeling of the production, and even though this would be very difficult to do for an actual performance, for the purpose of the movie, it really helped when trying to set the mood for each scene. It would be hard to do this for an actual performance because in order to change rooms, the audience would have to change their location as well, therefore disrupting their train of thought and possibly ruining their experience.

For the purpose of the movie, 42nd street was very creative and successfully seemed to produce the right mood through the use of set and location of each scene. Especially in the scene at night which takes place in the bar of the building. This set and location made the movie and actions more personal and central, engaging the audience and making us feel as if we are there, right in front of the actors, watching them.

The acting in the older version seemed a lot more genuine and realistic, probably because of the old English accents that the actors had. In 42nd street the acting almost seemed more modern, even though the words and lines of the actors were not modern. The main difference in characterization in both performances was in the character of Helena. In the older version she seemed very aloof and proud, even a little bit unfocused. In 42nd street, however, she seemed a lot more flirtatious and carefree. She also seemed more childish and less serious, compared to the older version.

Marina seemed a lot more strong and energetic in 42nd Street; she also seemed to have a closer relationship with the other characters, Astroff for example, in the 42nd Street version. In the older version she acts a lot older and moves at a slower pace. She doesn’t seem as lively, although in both she still retains a certain motherly aspect, she still cares about everyone.

The character of Astroff as presented in both Olivier’s production and 42nd street is a more relaxed and almost carefree person. He laughs more than Vanya and probably even more than any the character. This might be due to the fact that he doesn’t spend most of his time at the house, he isn’t part of the family, he is only visiting in order to check on the professor. His movements are more relaxed and slow compared to the other characters. Both productions characterize him as a sort of fresh breeze, compared to the other characters, his presence makes the other characters act differently, when he is around they act better and seem almost happier.
The character of Vanya in 42nd street seems a lot more obnoxious than the character of Vanya in Olivier’s production. Probably because of the sound of his voice and more of his physical appearance, we feel a bit more frustrated by him in 42nd street. In both productions he complains a lot, and is characterized very well as someone who is frustrating the rest of the characters. He is unhappy and grumpy, and seems wound up and bothered by everything. In 42nd Street, when he is around Helena, he is a lot more physical and seems a lot more drawn in by her presence. She and he have a friendlier and closer relationship compared to the Vanya and Helena in Olivier’s production. In Olivier’s production Vanya and Helena are a lot more distanced. Vanya also looks at Helena a lot without her noticing, and seems a lot shyer about his love towards her, while Helena is more aloof and doesn’t seem to notice him as much or in such an affectionate way, the way Helena does in the 42nd Street version.

Both productions are similar in many ways concerning characterization. What differs in the productions are mainly the set and location of each scene, and although this is only one difference, it makes both productions very different. The set of each makes the productions very unique and adds a certain feel to each that helps the audience differentiate them. Although both were very good interpretations, the 42nd Street version was a lot more personal.

Action Plan for Uncle Vanya

Laura Hall
November 9, 2008

Action Plan – Set Design
Before Performance:

Day 1:
Read through play and make note on what is needed prop wise as well as set wise
Talk to Mr. Sarstedt to figure out what the general vision for the play is
Realist
When and where will it be set
Identify the context of the play, historical and social and mood
Day 2:
Finish reading through play and making notes
Finish talking to Mr. Sarstedt and Tasha to figure out the overall vision
Finish with notes and list of what is needed for the production set and prop wise
Day 3:
Draw and come up with an outline of set
Day 4:
Finish outline and drawing of set
Show and discuss with director and assistant director
Day 5:
Make any adjustments to drawing, begin measuring and outlining set
Finalize list of props
Day 6:
Begin the making of set
Day 7:
Keep working on set and begin building
Day 8:
Work on set and build
Figure out props and make sure list is done and props have been made/bought/borrowed and are very close to being ready for performance
.
.Make sure set is being built and ready about a week before actual performance, as well as all props bought
.
Day before performance:
Make sure set is ready
Make sure all props are bought and ready for performance
During each Performance:

Make sure everything is running smoothly with set and props, make sure there is nothing breaking or falling apart, and if something does seem to go wrong, make sure everything is ready to and there to fix the problem as quickly as possible.
After each Performance:

Clean up
Make sure everything is set up and ready for the beginning of the next performance
After all performances:

Clean up and begin to put away everything from the set and props, make sure everything is in order and in place, everything is cleaned up