Production Problems Posed by the Text

The greatest problem is the content of the script and making sure that the audience understands the deeper meaning of the play, and the questions on censorship and human nature that it raises. The play is intended for mature audiences, who should be informed of that prior to attending the show. The set itself has to be used to show the asylum, showcasing the office and the Marquis cell, as well as the home of the Dr Royer Collard. The costume department would need two identical costumes for the Marquis one of which would need to be covered in cursive with an ink that looks like blood for the scene in which the Marquis writes on his clothes in his own blood. Another problem would be how to tastefully display the nudity of the Marquis The aftermath of the Marquis torture is shown in the script, the makeup department would need to be able to show his lips sewn together, this make up would be applied in between scenes so a quick method would be needed. As well as show the Marquis after he has had his hands and feet removed. Madeline’s resurrection is another problematic scene, how physical should the actors get and does the Abbe commit the act or stop short? Another issue in this scene is the wall which must split to reveal the Marquis dressed as a Christ like a figure. The last issue would be how to show the Marquis coming back to life with his decapitated parts on the desk in the office of the asylum at the end of the show.