MAGISKA RUM : om scenografins roll i scenkonstverk för barn och unga

Sammanfattning: This thesis investigates the communicative role of scenography in the performing arts for children, with an aim to make the readers understand the ways in which a set design can be optimized so that a young audience can be able to interpret the play and its message. The art of scenography is complex and includes many elements. The research questions can therefore be grouped into three clusters: one artistic oriented (How does the scenographic process work and what is its relation to the scenic piece at large? In which ways may scenography be used to support the desiderate interpretation?), one audience oriented (Which work processes enhances the chances of creating dramatic art that is perceived as meaningful to the audience? On what premises can the semiotics of theatre be used in the performing arts for a young audience?) and last a cluster that focuses on Den magiska cirkeln (The Magic Circle) by ung scen/öst (What is told in the show and how is this portrayed in the scenography? Who is in the target group, and does the audience get the feeling of the performance as intended?). Den magiska cirkeln is used as a case study in the thesis in order to reflect the theoretical material. Methods in the case study includes performance analysis, a survey completed by 178 people in the audience and an interview with scenographer Anna Dolata. 14 performing analyzes of Swedish children’s theatre shows have been made in addition to the case study. The thesis analyses and compares two work logics; the internal logic and the external logic, and it is shown that meaningful interpretations are likelier to happen with an external logical point of view. But the result is not unequivocal; a performance without any internal logic is likely to fall flat as the performance needs to be extracted from the creators’ full conviction. As shown in the thesis, scenography can be used to amplify the readings and intents with usage of the semiotics of theatre. It is important not to overlook the great potential of scenography in order to enhance the experience. The thesis also shows that the intentions that ung scen/öst had with Den magiska cirkeln went past many in the audience. Many felt that the show was confusing, and expressed frustration at not having solved the performance’s message. A high level of knowledge about the audience, and a willingness to listen and absorb its opinions, increases the chances of creating meaningful performances. Key words: scenography, stage design, set design, stage art, performing arts, theatre, children’s theatre, theatre semiotics, ung scen/öst