If I was in charge of creating some poster ideas for 'Tis Pity She's a Whore, the first idea I came up with would be the image of a dark colored red Mardi Gras like mask on top of a lightly colored grey backdrop with a quote written in the design of the mask. I have thought about three different quotes that show characters wearing masks to hide their true identity in the play. The first one is in Act I, Scene 2: 83-84, Giovanni is talking to the friar and saying he will hide his true feeling for his sister because he knows it’s wrong. He says, " All this I’ll do, to free me from the rod of vengence; else I’ll swear my fate’s my god.”
My second quote is Vasques hiding himself to get information out of Hippolita. He says, “And that’s villainous fault in him” (Act III, Scene 8: 13), Here we see him hiding under a mask of hate towards Soranzo when in reality he is loyal to his master and is using Hippolita to turn against her.
My third quote would be in Act V, Scene 6:149-150. This is the last scene of the play when Richardetto says, “Your grace’s pardon! Thus long I lived disguised,” here it is revealed that richardetto was not dead but hidden under a mask. He finally reveals himself after seeing the effects of lust and pride resulting in a blood bath.
I really like how your interpretation of the play is centered on the image of the mask. It fits well with the script, as your chosen quotes demonstrate. Furthermore, this take has the potential to inspire a number of production choices, especially the costumes and scenery. To top it off, there would be a beautiful poster to catch the potential audience member’s eye.
ReplyDeleteI also like the image that you presented with the Mardi Gras mask. The idea of deception of those around you is one that I think is central to the plot of the play. It also makes me think of protection, as in protecting your identity, which I think can be related back to the concept of protecting your honor
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