Outline the ways in which the production of 'Twelfth Night' used Set-Design in scenes to create a modern day extravaganza.

The differences in set-design is one of the most noteworthy differences between the National Theatre’s production and Classical Production seen in the Jacobean period. The opening scee itself in the Contemporary version uses a set pyramid, which is initially closed up to act as the boat in which Sebastian and Viola are separated. In the classical production itself, the scene does not even exist nor shown to the audience. The official opening scene, in the contemporary version, opens up in a quick and fluid transition scene to represent the outside of Olivia’s house. In doing this, the multi-purpose set enables the transitions to remain quick and not require blackout for backstage to update and remove props. Whilst a classical version would have the characters of Orsino and his men walk whilst chatting about his attempting wooing of Olivia, the NT version has them placed outside entering through the car. This use of the car instantly sets up the materialism and wealth of Orsino to the audience. The party scene in Act 2 Scene 3, whilst in the original production is often played using a guitar or through the miming of drinking alcohol, is elaborately set up to represent a ‘house-party’ themed idea. A DJ set machine is placed which embodies the party like life, Sir Andrew and Toby attempt to live. Through revolve on the Oliver stage; this enabled the audience to witness different elements of the set simultaneously. The party scene in Act 2 Scene 3, creates further comedic effect as the audience can see different elements of the set and the scene at different times. Whilst Sir Andrew and Sir Toby are partying with A DJ set, revolve staging allows for us to see the reaction of Malvolio of whom is overlooking Olivia sleeping a full-size bed. In an original production, Malvolio’s interruption is expected to take place from stage left or right but in the contemporary production, it is used through the character entering from behind te set on centre stage. A classical production will use small props like a carpet when informing the audience of the type of location. Moreover, the employment of subtle props acts as a guide for the audience to graps a sense of time and location. Another key scene in which the sets are significant in both versions is Act 2 scene 5 where a fountain and six hedges are used as hiding spots for the three plotters. Comedic effect is also utilised in the scene through the fountain with water squirting on the faces of Sir Andrew as well as the sexual innuendo of the water firing up following Malvolio’s proclamation for her love for Olivia. In contrast, a classical version always refers to the box tree which has all three characters placed inside CBS overlooking Malviolio. The NT, version mocked this by looking at the referred ‘box tree’ as not being present in the garden- Another difference which plays on the language of the original in creating comedic irony. The pillars around the stage in the contemporary also possess a multi-functioning purpose in the NT version, which lights up in different colours, either showing the party-like theme or the low glimmer of the prison, where Malvolio is locked up. A final difference is in Act 3 Scene 1 where the NT version includes a swimming pool, as Olivia’s method of seducing Cesario. It also shows her materialism and wealth.