Theater aesthetics - Essay Example

In such a way, it is the hope of this author that by expounding upon the light and dark realities that are portrayed within the set design and costume dynamics that further elements of the underlying struggle that exists within the main characters can be coaxed out of a play that has already been analyzed in each other imaginable means. Firstly, with respect to the set design of the play Hamlet, the clear and overt utilization of the dismal and rather dark color schemes that define the castle existence that Hamlet himself experiences are evocative of the inner struggle and means by which his character constantly struggles between the realities of life and the hopes and aspirations that he continues to hold onto.

In such a way, the light and dark contrasts of the interior set design of the castle alongside the more pastoral landscape that much of the play integrates with allows for the viewer to trace a clear and rather obvious point of understand with regards to the anticipation of hope and the reality of defeat and suicidal tendencies that are displayed within the dialogue as well as within the internal dynamics of set design and construction colors/lighting. Likewise, a further and indirect level of understanding can be made with regards to the ominous sense of foreboding that such a dismal set design necessarily evokes within the viewer.

In its most perfect form, set design is meant to work alongside and not distract from, or add to boisterously to, the meanings or understandings that the audience should take from a play. In such a way, it should be the clear and unmistakable take away and understanding of the reader that this is expertly demonstrated within the play itself by appropriate utilization and leverage of scene design and lighting that have been affected. Another key aspect of understanding that can be garnered with respect to the aesthetics of the play in question is with regards to the wardrobe that is exhibited.

Again, the clear and obvious level of understanding that this wardrobe provides is with regards to the descriptive capabilities that has in defining and differentiating the moods and thoughts that Hamlet and the other characters express on stage. Again, it would be quite sufficient if the actors of the play integrated perfectly with the script and were able to relate the complexities of the play to the audience; however, an entirely different dynamic is able to be leveraged by merely dressing Hamlet and Ophelia in contrasting shades of dark and light.

The shades of dark that Hamlet is clothed in represent a clear understanding to the audience that he is continually battling the darkness of suicidal thoughts and depression whereas the lighter colors are evocative of the aforementioned pastoral scenes in which he can be seen to contemplate those aspects of life that offer hope for living further. Comparatively, Ophelia is clothed in darker colors throughout much of the play due to her unceasing state of mourning. However, lighter colors are also employed at times and it is the belief of this author that such utilization helps to underscore the frailty and femininity that Ophelia brings to the play itself.

Whereas almost all of the subject matter is dark and extraordinarily philosophical, Ophelia acts as something of a foil to the character of Hamlet in the fact that she is able to engage in life and its complexities in something of a natural and rather