Metamorphosis (theater)

In the language of the theater, metamorphosis is the name given to a change in the stage design by the stage technicians and prop masters or the stage machinery . Most of the time, transformations take place when the curtain is closed. When they can be observed by the audience, they are called "open metamorphosis". Frequent transformations have been popular since the baroque theater , for example in magic pieces and magic operas .

Up until the 19th century, a set that characterized a location consisted primarily of a painted rear prospect . A transformation was easy to accomplish with the help of cables . The transformations were considerably more complex from around 1820, when the stage design consisted more and more of "practical" objects, for example doors and windows that could be opened, realistic furniture or the like. This development intensified up to naturalism . Some theaters at the end of the 19th century employed around a hundred technicians to produce the popular pieces of equipment .

Very complex transformations are often only possible using a revolving platform . Modern large stages can accommodate several complete sets to the side, above and below the stage, which can be moved hydraulically and with cables (the Opéra Bastille about up to nine).

Due to the high personnel costs, however, nowadays it is often played in standard decorations that can be varied with the help of theater lighting . Many elements of the transformation have therefore shifted to lighting technology (see lighting design ).

literature

• Ph. J. Düringer, H. Barthels (ed.): Theater-Lexikon: Theoretical-practical manual for board members, members and friends of the German theater, Leipzig: Wigand 1841, Sp. 293f.