Pygmalion Study Guide April 16

Pygmalion
ACTIVITY 
∗ 
What problems did you encounter in creating a scene 
involving several characters who are strangers to each other? 
∗ 
Did a storyline develop in your scene? 
∗ 
Did any characters become the major focus of your scene? 
DISCUSSION
Theme 4 
ATMOSPHERE THROUGH ACTION 

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 17 
∗ 
In groups, brainstorm solutions to the set design problems listed 
above. 
∗ 
Research architecture and furniture that would be appropriate to London, England, in 1914. 
∗ 
What equipment would be available in 1914 for audio recording and playback? This equipment 
would be required for Professor Higgins’ vocal laboratory. 
∗ 
Draw a design for one or more of the settings identified above. 
∗ 
Create a diorama for one or more of the settings identified above
. 
ACTIVITY 
Theme 5 
THE CHALLENGE OF SET DESIGN 
Designing 
Pygmalion
is a very daunting task. Challenges include: 
* Portraying a scene that occurs outdoors at 11:30 pm in the pouring rain with horse-drawn taxicabs passing by; 
* Delivering a character by taxicab from a crowded street up a small alleyway to her tiny apartment; 
* Changing rapidly from the small apartment to a well-appointed voice laboratory; 
* Moving from the laboratory up two flights of stairs to a bathroom without interrupting the action; 
* Returning to the laboratory, again without interrupting the action; 
* Moving to the residence of a rich and fashionable woman; 
* Moving to a grand ballroom with an elaborate entranceway; 
* Returning to the laboratory; and 
* Returning to the residence of the rich and fashionable woman. 

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 18 
According 
to