Between Brueghel, Surrealism, and New Realism : Wachsman's stage design for Heavy Barbara

Title: Between Brueghel, Surrealism, and New Realism : Wachsman's stage design for Heavy Barbara
Author: Šlaisová, Eva
Source document: Theatralia. 2022, vol. 25, iss. 1, pp. 109-136
Extent
109-136
  • ISSN
    1803-845X (print)
    2336-4548 (online)
Type: Article
Language
 

Notice: These citations are automatically created and might not follow citation rules properly.

Abstract(s)
In 1937, Jiří Voskovec and Jan Werich wrote and staged the play Těžká Barbora [Heavy Barbara], which was inspired by the art of Pieter Brueghel the Elder and represents a unique experiment involving dramatisation and theatricalisation of his paintings. This article focuses on Alois Wachsman's scenography for this play and explores it in relation to Brueghel's paintings; the poetics and humour of Voskovec and Werich; trends and artists of the period; Wachsman's scenography for the National Theatre; and his paintings. The study brings attention to the previously unknown fact that Wachsman created two different versions of the set design for Heavy Barbara. Both versions alluded to Brueghel; however, one was inspired by Surrealism/ Wachsman's imaginative painting, while the other accentuated the folk atmosphere of the play through its use of New Realism and New Objectivity.
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