Theatre Studies 2020
Set and Prop Design
Mrs Lovett from Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, by Stephen Sondheim
Set: Calico, adhesive, vinyl, shoe polish, acrylic paints, paper
Exhibited in Melbourne Museum as part of vce season of excellence top designs 2020
I primarily focused on the theatre composition element of cohesion in my design, as all prop pieces are run-down, damaged or old-looking. This is in keeping with the theme of Mrs Lovett’s filthy character and successfully creates the environment of the run-down areas of London during the 19th century. This style also relates to the theatre style of tragedy as it shows the flaws associated with the character.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is a musical theatre tragedy set in London in 1846. At the beginning of the play, a key scene establishes Sweeney Todd and Mrs Lovett’s partnership in business, and is the turning point in Sweeney’s personality. The intended meaning of the play is that people in power control people who don’t have power, and the idea of revenge.
Through this design, the audience will be able to see that Mrs Lovett is a deceitful and manipulative character, who will do anything to get the life she dreams of with Sweeney. It is also intended that the audience is aware that Mrs Lovett knows about Sweeney Todd’s true identity the whole time. I decided to represent Mrs Lovett as growing weary of her current lifestyle, jealous of Lucy for her relationship with Sweeney, and desperate to get what she wants.