2 Plot Research

Two Versions of Orlando

- Sarah Ruhl’s adaption of Virginia Woolf’s Orlando comes directly from the novel with all the luscious lyricism and playfulness of the original.

-Woolf’s Orlando is structured as part biography, part fabulation, part poetry inspired by his affair with Vita Sackville West.

-Sarah Ruhl’s adaptations shift constantly between first-person narration and third-person narration, following the life adventure in a fantastical, description-rich and dialogue-light way.

Wittiness, boldness, eternity, stream of consciousness. Every rhythm, every phrase, every imagery is irresistible and of immense power.

- Furniture or architectural elements barely appear on stage

- Natural landscape or elements have been used as the crucial part of setting, especially the huge oak tree which has been mentioned several times in text.

-Costume changes in various style to reflect apparent characteristics of different periods

-The structure tends to be tall and extended, offering dramatic views to the boundary beyond.

- One thing in common between theatrical version and film is gorgeous costume added to the brilliance and elegance of the aristocracy.

- All the props and lighting and the atmosphere shows a sense of power, and keep character Orlando signalled.

These analysis cards are based on technical breakdown which is too long to show, and text description about figure, sound, space and light.

Color Intensity Angle Quality

- Warm tone natural light

- Representing Orlando’s garden/house

- Using starkly chiaroscuro style, which tended toward violence and conflict

- Emotional response to specific traumatic events

- Mostly using sidelight from one direction

- The quality of light is like the sky coloured old yellow by the stories of centuries past, eventually reaching the present

- The beam of light, which enters the picture from the direction of a real window, expresses in the blink of an eye the conversion of characters

- Following seasonal changes

- Winter white bright sunlight, giving a sense of coldness

- Low-intensity light through the window

Sound Space

Ambient Music Realistic Sound Background Music Oak Tree

Elizabethan fashion was incredibly elaborate and feminine which 0bscures Orlando’s gender.

This act happens in the 17th century. After Sasha’s betrayal, Orlando’s costume becomes more androgynous.

In Act 3, Orlando wears a dress, which means she is perceived by others as a woman.

The silhouette of 19th century defined by the rigidly structured bustle and an abundance of decoration.

In the twentieth century, Orlando embraces the fashion of the age which became more streamlined.