Everyone who has been to the theater remembers that the theater curtain is an important part of the interior and stage design. This attribute underwent significant changes with the development of technical thought and the evolution of theatrical art. And today the curtain of the stage is just a piece of matter on a cord, and technically sophisticated equipment with many features and functions.
History
For the first time, the stage curtain was used in the theater of Ancient Greece. He signaled the beginning and end of theatrical action. The curtain as a sophisticated equipment was invented around the 17th century, when the stage was developing rapidly. Moving scenery appeared at this time, more and more attention was paid to stage designers, and the curtain became not only a technical element in changing paintings, but also an additional expressive opportunity.
In the 18th century, stage design and curtains became an important part of revealing the plot of the play. Sometimes they played a very important role. With the advent of the box scene, the curtain acquired a new meaning and became an integral element of the production.
In the 20th century, set designers further strengthen the extreme importance of this element of stage design. Projects became frequent in which curtains were specially prepared for the performance. For example, for the production of Lermontov's “Masquerade” at the Mariinsky Theater, the famous theater artist A. Golovin created 10 curtains for each change of paintings.
Appointment
First of all, the theater curtain performs the function of protecting the stage from the eyes of the audience. He does not allow to see the decoration and scenery before the start of the action, fencing off the scene for the duration of the change of scenery. But, in addition, the curtain also has aesthetic challenges. Firstly, it signals the start of the show. Opening the curtain takes the viewer into the world of fantasy, at this moment he adjusts to the atmosphere of conventionality and illusion of the theater. Secondly, the curtain can be used as part of the artistic space of the performance and even as a separate character. For example, in the “Hamlet” of the Taganka Theater, he played the role of Time, Fate, Rock, etc.
Is the curtain an additional means of expression, for example? light draperies or stylized curtains can create the illusion of a locality or room. Even the absence of this can be a certain artistic principle - some modern theaters refuse it. This is how the brainchild of K. Raikin “Satyricon” works.
Device and equipment
The theater, the stage only from the side of the auditorium look ceremonial and even romantic. Even at the time of the invention, the curtain was a rather complex mechanism, which over time was greatly modernized. To ensure smooth, synchronous and uniform movement and movement of the curtain, a single drive system is used. At first she worked on manual traction, later on electric, today it is regulated by computer control.
The lifting and lowering mechanism ensures uniform movement of a very heavy structure. To ensure that the side parts do not flutter, heavy guides are attached to them. The most complex design provides both sliding movement and lifting. A so-called road is built for the curtain to work. There are several varieties of it: linear, nonlinear, cable. Today, sophisticated rail systems are used to move the curtain, which are controlled from a remote control.
Typologies
Performing numerous tasks, the theater curtain can be of various types. There are several classifications: by the method of disclosure, by the function in the performance, by the historical methods of drapery. You can also distinguish the types of curtains by the method of control and traction, in this case they are called manual, mechanical, electrical and electronic mechanisms.
There are attempts to classify the drapery of the scene according to the material from which they were made. So, highlight velvet and linen curtains. But such a division is untenable, since the curtain is a multilayer structure that includes the outer layer, as well as the inner, shadow, each of which was sewn from different fabrics.
Disclosure Views
On the trajectory of movement, such types of theater curtains as sliding and lifting and lowering are distinguished.
The mechanism of the sliding product should provide complete overlap of the scene from the eyes of the audience, this is facilitated by a special design with a large smell - the entry of one canvas onto another. Cloths are mounted on different guides, and when approaching, one goes behind the other. Also, the sliding mechanism should provide synchronized movement of the paintings. It is based on a single drive system.
Every theater, the scene for which is his heart, makes sure that the curtain control mechanism always works flawlessly: quickly, smoothly, synchronously and silently. It is believed that a sliding curtain has greater expressive capabilities than a curtain. Folds, rhythm of movement are distinguished by the ability to convey emotion. The Bolshoi Theater is proud of this curtain , the large stage of which is decorated with a magnificent sliding canvas in the form of a tapestry.
Lifting and lowering mechanisms are more ancient in appearance. Even in the ancient Greek theater there was a curtain, which before the start of the performance fell into a special slot and rose from it at the end of the spectacle. The lowering mechanism is based on a system of counterweights; special guides on the sides protect the fabric from swaying.
There are also combined curtains that combine the possibilities of horizontal sliding and vertical lifting-lowering. They represent the most complex design.
In addition, one can also find folding curtains, in which the canvas is folded in one, two, three or four additions. Such models allow you to close only the upper half of the stage space and are an additional decoration.
An important element of the play
The possibilities of the curtain are used in the creation of the play, and on this basis they are divided into play and intermission. The intermission theater curtain is a means of fencing off the stage space before the beginning of each action and to complete the performance. These models are an element of the constant design of the scene. Game models are created specifically for certain performances and are part of the scenography. They can be part of the overall decoration, play the role of a visual overture, located on the ground plane of the scene. Game curtains are designed to create a special atmosphere of the performance, and are combined with it in style and genre.
Light curtain
There is a special kind that is created with the help of light. Modern theater equipment allows you to replace matter with light from projectors, which will also serve as the curtain. The principle of its operation is to illuminate suspended particles in the air. There are two options for creating such a curtain: horizontal and ramp. In the first case, the rows of light of the spotlights are directed horizontally towards each other. To ensure the uniformity of the curtain, it is often supported by the black, velvet backdrop of the scene. The second way is to direct narrow light streams from the gap in the front of the stage to the ceiling of the auditorium, which is upholstered in black velvet. The light curtain perfectly performs the function of blocking the scene from the views of the audience, and also plays the role of a special expressive technique, which with repeated repetition only enhances its effect.
Historical types
There are also several options for curtains, named after the theaters in which they were used. So, there is an Austrian model, which differs in assemblies in the form of large folds, picking up the canvas. The Venetian variety has a similar pattern, it is only decorated with additional vertical folds. The curtain, called "Italian", is very common in classical theaters. It consists of two vertical canvases that rise above the lower corners. The following varieties also exist: kabuki, open door, Wagner and Brecht curtains.
Decor
In addition to structural differences, curtains, of course, can have a special design. Obviously, the design of the stage should be combined with the interior of the theater, as well as suitable for the play being played. Often, directors create special curtains for their productions, in addition, famous theaters often have their own unique curtains, which become their trademark. So, the Bolshoi Theater, whose large stage is decorated with a historical "golden" curtain, spent a lot of effort and money on the restoration of this famous product. At the Mariinsky Theater, the curtain of A. Golovin of 1914 is considered the official emblem. Just like the curtain of the Moscow Art Theater, created together with the design of the building and the interior of F. Schechtel.