Connecting a Show's Artistic Design with its Superobjective via Gesamptunkstwerk

Abstract

This project is an exploration of how the superobjective of a play can be enhanced by using Richard Wagner's theory of gesamtkunstwerk to guide the production of a show's artistic design. Director Konstantin Stanislavsky developed the term "superobjective," which is the name of a single overarching message or motivation in a script. One aspect of gesamtkunstwerk, which literally translates to "total art work," is the visual and thematic integration of all non­ acting aspects of a show (which collectively form the artistic design). While acting tells the audience the superobjective, such an integrated artistic design can be used to show it as well. Visual connections to the script can be especially helpful for viewers if the show is from an unfamiliar culture. Henrik Ibsen's play A Doll House is used as an example.