Analysis of Summer of the Seventeenth Doll
Summer of the Seventeenth Doll, by Ray Lawler was a ‘bottling’ performance. A highly effective use of lighting, set design, props and additional sensory stimulus; were powerful tools in creating a realistic production. The skilful use of the elements of drama; human context; language, movement, mood and dramatic tension, enabled the audience to relate to the characters and plot. The development of sub-plots also added to the creation of a realistic performance, by mirroring the human condition. Through the effective use of these dramatic techniques; Neil Armfield was successful in creating a realistic portrayal of Ray Lawler’s Summer of the Seventeenth Doll.
The 1950’s style setting created on stage, using the set design, props and costumes was highly effective in producing a realistic and believable production. Not only did the set effectively add to the authenticity of the production, it also gave the actors important sentimental effects to use throughout the performances. The 17 cane dolls which lined the walls of the house had great symbolic qualities and were effective in the development of depth within the play. Olive’s dolls were not only gifts from her summer love, but symbolic representations of her past and the constrictive manner in which she clung to this fading lifestyle . Costuming was skilfully used in The Summer of the Seventeenth Doll, all items of costuming were true to the era and gave further insight into each character. For example the costuming of Pearl as opposed to Olive’s symbolised their different personalities and their past; Pearl wore upper class clothing; whereas Olive’s attire was unadorned. The free flowing and well-worn clothes of Olive gave the audience insight into her thoughts and way of life. They represented her openness and simple way of life. The floral prints and looseness of the dresses she wore showed she didn’t have a care in the world; this can be concluded because she never greatly changed her appearance in order to
The 1950’s style setting created on stage, using the set design, props and costumes was highly effective in producing a realistic and believable production. Not only did the set effectively add to the authenticity of the production, it also gave the actors important sentimental effects to use throughout the performances. The 17 cane dolls which lined the walls of the house had great symbolic qualities and were effective in the development of depth within the play. Olive’s dolls were not only gifts from her summer love, but symbolic representations of her past and the constrictive manner in which she clung to this fading lifestyle . Costuming was skilfully used in The Summer of the Seventeenth Doll, all items of costuming were true to the era and gave further insight into each character. For example the costuming of Pearl as opposed to Olive’s symbolised their different personalities and their past; Pearl wore upper class clothing; whereas Olive’s attire was unadorned. The free flowing and well-worn clothes of Olive gave the audience insight into her thoughts and way of life. They represented her openness and simple way of life. The floral prints and looseness of the dresses she wore showed she didn’t have a care in the world; this can be concluded because she never greatly changed her appearance in order to