Imagine a movie in which there was no scenery, or your favorite television drama without a setting. So it goes with theatrical productions, where scenery can be everything. Despite its importance scenery can also be virtually anything, from just a chair to elaborately painted backdrops.
The modern focus on scenery can be traced back to the Italian opera buffa (comic opera) of the 18th century. Intricate plots were matched with equally detailed sets which helped convey both setting and action.
The American playwright and producer David Belasco was renowned for his for authenticy in theatrical sets. His productions sometimes included working laundromats, food cooked by the actors, recreated restaurants, and in one case an entire room that was cut out of a house and moved to the theater.
Theatrical design then began to parallel art and architecture in which abstraction was a key element. This reduced the demand for elaborately realistic scenery for years to come.
Nowadays, theatrical design is still an essential element in enjoying the theater, whether the production is traditional or avante garde.
Because of the demands of the stage, designers look to use versatile fabrics that can be applied to a variety of settings. At J&O Fabric Store we carry textiles that are ideal for theatrical settings and provide precisely the qualities desired in fabrics for the stage. Among these are:
Sand Burlap Fabric
108 inch Unbleached Muslin Natural
45 inch Bleached White Muslin
Black 108" Broadcloth
White Blackout Drapery Lining
Crushed Voile: Salmon - 54"
Bone Duck Cloth
Sky Blue Netting
Red Bright NylonBurgundy Velour
