A scenographic analysis of emergent British 'national' identity, on the stages of the National Theatre between 1995-2005

This thesis examines space within the context of scenography and investigates its presence as a theme exposing the unstable condition of identity.

It does this by examining how 'national' identity has been presented through the medium of design on the stages of the UK's National Theatre during an era where identity is being used as a political tool. The 'new ideologies' of regionalism,multiculturalism and globalisation are identified as provocative catalysts that are expressed within selected designs and are seen as challenging fixed notions of identity.

Influenced by Henri Lefebvre's Production of Space, the production of scenography is examined within this thesis by combining three perspectives. It sets up a dialogue which looks to reveal a 'code', which explains the space produced on stage, by considering the following:
The three different Artistic Directors operating during this period (Richard Eyre, Trevor Nunn and Nicholas Hytner) and their intentions for the relevance of the institution. This is considered by comparing each Artistic Director's public mission statement about their direction for the institution with selected productions that they have personally directed when in this role Through interview with the designers who produced the scenography for these selected shows.
And by re-examining reviewer reactions to the shows produced, where the selected productions are seen to be either challenging or reflecting national meaning. The criticism levelled at design is particularly focused upon within these reviews.

Space is considered as a key theme within scenography as it has been identified by the scenographer Jaroslav Malina as a significant constant within this art form.

The thesis concludes that design, the production of space on stage, is under acknowledged in wider theatre criticism but is nevertheless shown to be a significant aspect in the reading and composition of conveying 'national' identity upon the National Theatre's stages.