\u201cCrossing Over Scenography,\u201d showcasing the work of internationally renowned scenographic artist Pamela Howard, OBE, will be featured November 1-20 at the Madelon Powers Gallery of the East Stroudsburg University\u2019s Fine and Performing Arts Center, Normal and Marguerite streets, East Stroudsburg.<\/p>\n
Hours for the gallery, located in the university\u2019s Fine & Performing Arts Center, Normal and Marguerite streets, are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Friday.<\/p>\n
In her book \u201cWhat is Scenography?\u201d Howard describes scenography as \u201cthe seamless synthesis of space, text (play script, or libretto), research, art, actors, directors, and spectators that contributes to an original creation.”<\/p>\n
The approach to theatre, which Howard developed, is widely known in Europe but challenges conventional American practice by putting multiple elements of theatre into an individual artist\u2019s hands. One designer analyzes the script, conducts research, creates and supervises the implementation of all the elements (scenery, costumes, lights, etc.) that make up a production and directs the show.<\/p>\n
Trained\u00a0at the Slade School of Fine Art (1958-1959) Howard has had a full career as a theatre designer where she developed a love of text and context with fine art. Since 2000 she has been the total creator of productions where she develops a scenographic language of beauty and simplicity on stage that makes the performer always \u201cthe carrier of the myth\u201d.<\/p>\n
Sustainability and imaginative use of space are central to Howard\u2019s works. A compulsive observer of human life, she is never without a pencil and a sketchbook, notating everyday life and reworking her sketches on stage.<\/p>\n
Howard is International Chair in Drama at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; a visiting professor at Arts University, Bournemouth; and Emeritus Professor at Arts University, London. She is currently preparing a new, third expanded edition of her book, \u201cWhat is Scenography\u201d for publication in 2019. In 2008 she was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for services to drama.<\/p>\n
A reception for Howard will be held Thursday, November 1, from 4-6 p.m. in the gallery. She will give a public talk on her work at 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 6 in Cecilia S. Cohen Recital Hall of the ESU\u2019s Fine and Performing Arts Center. Both the reception and talk are open to the public at no cost.<\/p>\n