Best use of a blackbox space?

[aces25]

Posted: 3/19/21 at 12:41pm

What are some examples of great theatre you've seen entirely on a black stage? 
Kind of like Ivo Van Hoeve's very minimalist 'A View from the Bridge'. 

[JBroadway]

Posted: 3/19/21 at 1:03pm

I'm a bit confused about what the question is: 

In my experience, the term "blackbox" refers more to the venue than the production. Black box theatres can be used in all kinds of creative ways, will full sets, etc. Also, IIRC, Ivo's "View From the Bridge" was an all-white stage. Do you mean all black stage, or did you mean a totally empty stage? 

If you're asking for the best use of a blackbox space, I would say that I've seen some directors do some cool immersive shows by dividing them up, and creating separate room within the space. Some of the coolest examples of this I've seen were actually at my college's blackbox. But one professional one that comes to mind is Bedlam's Pygmalion.

If you're asking about bare stages, I would agree that Ivo has often done great work with mostly empty stages. 

For a recent example, I really enjoyed the use of the mostly empty stage in "The Thin Place" at Playwrights Horizons (there were just 2 chairs, and a little side table). 


 

Updated On: 3/19/21 at 01:03 PM

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 3/19/21 at 2:59pm

A CHORUS LINE

[TheGingerBreadMan]

Posted: 3/20/21 at 12:18pm

I saw a terrific production of Carrie in a black box space. It was incredibly immersive.