Le Pas d'Acier (1927) : a study in the historiography and reconstruction of George Jakulov's set design for Diaghilev's Soviet Ballet
This study attempts to explore and elucidate the nature of the Diaghilev Ballets Russes' production of Le Pas d'Acier, (1927). Its focus is the contribution of the Russian artist and scenic designer, George Jakulov. The thesis is accompanied by a model through which the study has undertaken a practical exploration of Jakulov's designs for Le Pas d'Acier, and the problems and possibilities of their reconstruction. Focussing on Jakulov's set design, this study explores the problems involved in the historiography of Le Pas d'Acier, producing a 'natural history' of the research process. The study considers Jakulov's designs, concept and approach through locating and analysing primary source material. Presenting some previously unpublished materials, it explores the chronology of the design process and the nature of Jakulov's designs and concept. It identifies two distinct phases in the ballet's development; the production of the first scenario in 1925, (produced by Jakulov and Serge Prokofiev along with the music and designs), and the ballet's realisation in 1927. By comparing source materials relating to these two phases, the study identifies and explores the production's adaptations to the 1925 concept and designs.
Sayers, Lesley-Anne
N Visual arts (General)
Le Pas d'Acier (1927) : a study in the historiography and reconstruction of George Jakulov's set design for Diaghilev's Soviet Ballet. This study attempts to explore and elucidate the nature of the Diaghilev Ballets Russes' production of Le Pas d'Acier, (1927). Its focus is the contribution of the Russian artist and scenic designer, George Jakulov. The thesis is accompanied by a model through which the study has undertaken a practical exploration of Jakulov's designs for Le Pas d'Acier, and the problems and possibilities of their reconstruction. Focussing on Jakulov's set design, this study explores the problems involved in the historiography of Le Pas d'Acier, producing a 'natural history' of the research process. The study considers Jakulov's designs, concept and approach through locating and analysing primary source material. Presenting some previously unpublished materials, it explores the chronology of the design process and the nature of Jakulov's designs and concept. It identifies two distinct phases in the ballet's development; the production of the first scenario in 1925, (produced by Jakulov and Serge Prokofiev along with the music and designs), and the ballet's realisation in 1927. By comparing source materials relating to these two phases, the study identifies and explores the production's adaptations to the 1925 concept and designs.
pas study historiography reconstruction george set design soviet study_attempt explore elucidate_nature production pas person focus russian artist designer george accompany model study undertaken practical exploration design pas problem possibility reconstruction focussing set design study_explores problem_involve historiography pas produce natural_history process study_considers design concept locate analyse primary_source_material presenting previously_unpublished material explore chronology design process nature design concept identifies two_distinct phase development production first scenario produce along music design realisation compare source_material relate two_phase study identifies explore production adaptation concept design