Paper Example on Directing Scene One of Shakespeare's Play: Time & Setting

Introduction

I will be directing the scene one in the first act. The scene is 13 pages long, and it gives the hint of how the entire play is constructed. The characters and the settings of the scene are ideal in understanding the concepts behind Shakespeare's reasons for writing the play.

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Time and Setting

The scene is in the ancient time. The synopsis of the play indicates that the King and the other Lords were planning on dividing the kingdom. The Lords also talks about having children by order of the law and arranged marriages which were common in the past.

The scene takes place in Great Britain before the division of the kingdom. The discussion between King Lear and the Lord of France indicates some historical elements in the play which took place in Britain. The dominance Britain had over the other countries in the ancient history is also evident in the scene.

Casting

King Lear: The Tyrant who inherited the British throne. He is a fearless leader and a dictator who wants everything to be done according to his will.

Gloucester: A high ranking officer in the service of the King. One of the most trusted lords by the King as his personal advisors.

Kent: A close friend to Gloucester serving together with him in the palace as the king's physician

Edmund: A servant to Gloucester working in the palace.

Cordelia: The king's youngest daughter, she is unmarried, and the king wants to make an alliance by offering her for marriage to the king of France.

Regan: The second daughter of the king and the wife of Albany Cornwall's wife

Albany Cornwall: The duke of Albany.

Gorneril: The king's first daughter.

Burgundy: The a nobleman from France

The King of France: The tyrant ruling France.

Attendants: Minor characters in the scene who serves in the palace.

Costumes and Physical Appearance

The King of Britain is a tall and have athletic like body owing to his activities of leading the nights into the battlefield. He is wearing affine linen gown with a silver body amour in the chest area. His crown is made of Gold and has six sharp edges as a sign of power. A silver sword is hanging on the left side of his attire. His eyes are sharp and hostile, like a person drunk with power. He appears relaxed at the start of the play, but as the negotiations commenced, he looks agitated. The king of France is a young man wearing fine linen and a silver armour, just like the king of Britain, but his crown has four edges. He appears to be cunning and deceitful, and it is difficult to understand whether he wants the marriage for political reasons or have hidden agendas.

The king's daughters are all dressed in fine purple linen with a crescent crown around their heads. Apart from Cordelia, they all appear to be happy and contented with their current situation. Gloucester is dressed like a knight although his body armour seems to be more expensive than that of other knights owing to his lordship in Britain. Kent is dressed in a white robe like most ancient doctors however, he appears to be unhappy during the kings meeting with the other lords. His outspoken nature and his fearlessness in telling the truth makes him an outstanding character. The attendants are dressed in a navy blue uniform, they appear to be happy and contented for working in the palace.

Background and Props

The setting of the scene is in the palace kings chamber. The room is oval-shaped with a golden throne at the left edge of the room. Two metallic chairs are placed on the right and the left side of the throne for the king's advisors. One of the chair which is on the left side is similar to the throne, but it is placed slightly below the throne. The throne room appears to be decorated with golden statues and swords at each corner of the room. In the middle pillar stands a golden monument for the first king of Britain. On the left side of the chamber, there is a table surrounded by golden chairs for the dignitaries meeting. The room appears to be adequately lit with a gas lamp and candle holder at each pillar. Four big windows facing the hills and the flower garden are situated in the room. At the entrance, there is a heavy metallic door guarded by two heavily armed knights.

Movements

Before the King enters the room, Gloucester, Kent and Edmund are standing near the throne talking. They bow down when they see King Lear enters with her daughters and the duke of Albany. The King sits on the throne, the duke on the right chair while Gloucester and Edmund exists the room living Kent, and the three daughters standing. During the discussion, Cordelia seems restless as she walks around the room, standing at specific places and biting her nails.

The King of France enters the room, both King Lear and the duke stands to salute the. The King signals them to follow him to the meeting table. All the characters follows behind the Two Kings, and they remain standing until they have settled. While Regan looks composed, Cornelia and Gorneril seems troubled, and they are unable to settle down. While exiting the stage, King Lear appears to be happy, and he walks majestically towards the door as the two guard's stands like statues.

Lighting and Special Effects

The lighting of the Throne room appears to be normal due to the formality of the occasion. However, distinctive sounds are utilized to indicate that the King is approaching. They are also used to pause a conversation between the characters and create a suspense of what will happen next.