I found the
Hagia Sophia to be an incredibly inspiring stimuli, for its stunning beauty and
rich history fascinated me. Through fantastic information gathered about the
Hagia Sophia, I was inspired to stage a play of my own creation in the main
dome of the building. My main idea came from the story about the invasion of
the Muslims that caused the conversion from a Eastern Orthodox Church to a
mosque (Istanbul). This sparked the idea of a play about a young girl facing
this invasion. I actually found inspiration for that idea from the play
"The Trojan Women" because a war can provide a great back-story for a
play. "The Trojan Women" focuses on the effect of war on women, so
this play taking place in the Hagia Sophia would reflect that idea as well. The
women in "The Trojan Women" wearily awaited their fate after the
invasion of the Greeks. It wreaked havoc on their lives, so the girl in play
would fear that the invasion would change her entire life. Yet, they also were
defiant of their fate, just as the girl in my play would be. In fact, upon
greeting the Sultan, she says: "So, you come to take our place of worship?
Hah! You hypocrite, talking of tolerance. Your 'tolerance' disgusts me."
Her sharp wit would amuse the soldiers, as well as endear the audience. If
successfully portrayed, her actions and thoughts would be helpful in the
audience's understanding of the girl's fear, yet defiance of change from the
advancing Muslim army.
The audience would sit in the
sultan's lodge, for it is above the dome floor, making it easier for them to
watch the production. Each production would have 50 audience members in
attendance, for the lodge would not be able to fit much more than that. Also,
the sultan used to sit here so that he could avoid being seen while still
participating in rituals (Hagia). This would help the audience realize what it
would have really been like to be in the Hagia Sophia in the past, as well as
the interaction between the sultan and his people. This detached feeling could apply
to the audience as well, for they would be able to view the play from above
without being seen by the actors. Therefore, the play would feel very much like
a real life situation, while the audience is just watching from afar. The play
would attempt to not seem too rehearsed, so that the audience could relate to
the situation better.
The Hagia Sophia is most famously
known for its exquisite architecture, and that would be a major incentive for
people to come see a play being performed there. This is why I would want the
lights to be off when the audience first enters the sultan's lodge. I want them
to experience the full extent of the beautiful architecture, and this awe will
be emphasized if they get to see it all unveiled in one breathtaking moment.
Then, they would have time to admire the architecture while they listen to the
girl sing "Into the West." This will give the audience a chance to
take-in the beauty, as well as the set, before the must pay more attention upon
the action of the play.
I chose the song "Into the
West" by Annie Lennox because it is a powerful and beautiful piece. It is
from the movie Lord of the Rings: Return
of the King, which is a fantastic movie that especially highlights the aspects
of a war. This song also depicts war, making it a fitting song for the
beginning of a play about the approach of a war. Lennox portrays this idea: "Why
do you weep? What are these tears upon your face?" (1xxxNoNamexxx1). It is through this line that the
audience would see the main character's fear of the impending invasion. While
she sings, the girl walks around the
floor, looking pensive, as if reminiscing about her life. She also peers out
the windows in the back that can be seen in Figure 4. She is acknowledging the
approach of the army, which she knows will inevitably change her life forever:
"Hope fades into the world of night" (1xxxNoNamexxx1). This last line exemplifies the
girl's feelings about the war, setting the stage for the rest of the play.
"Into the West" is a perfect song for recognizing the harsh realities
of war, and it will certainly induce a few tears in the audience through its
powerful message and beautiful sound.
The main character would begin the
play wearing a traditional dress that she would wear around her home normally
(Figure 1). This beautiful dress would have been a typical day dress during the
fifteenth century. However, when the Muslim army arrives she would change into
a more elegant dress (Figure 2). She would do this in hopes of showing her
respect for the army, so that they would not be harsh in what they would decide
to do with her stunning home. Also, she would want to impress them with her
civility, for this can often sway conquerors in favor of the people being
conquered.
As for setting a play at the Hagia
Sophia, I find that this is the most important result of what the stimuli
inspired. Obviously, the Hagia Sophia is a stunning work of architecture and
offers significant importance. It is a popular tourist destination, and is one
of the most famous places in Turkey (Hagia). Because of the draw of the museum,
it would certainly fascinate people at the thought of a play being performed in
this museum that is known for its great beauty. Therefore, people would be
interested in coming to see it, especially since it would take place in the
central part of the building.
Also, the plot of the play would
entice viewers, for it incorporates the importance of the history of the Hagia
Sophia. Just imagine a play about the gorgeous structure set in the place that
it is about. That would just be a great opportunity. The history of the Hagia
Sophia greatly contributes to the allure of the site today. Therefore, people
would be fascinated to come see a play that details that ever important
history. The conversion of the Hagia Sophia from an Eastern Orthodox Church
into a Muslim mosque is perhaps the most significant event in its history,
hence the need for a play about this time. The play would add a more personal
aspect to the event, educating the audience while still encouraging them to
enjoy the storyline of the performance.
As one can see, the Hagia Sophia is
not only a stunning piece of architecture that is admired by many, but it is
also the site of a significant historical event that shaped a cultural and
tourist attraction. Therefore, the Hagia Sophia, with its beautifully designed
dome are and rich history, would be a
perfect setting for the play I plan to produce.
Word Count
1,163
Works Cited
1xxxNoNamexxx1. "Into the West with Lyrics." YouTube.
YouTube, 21 Jan. 2008. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClJqONYYK4o>.
"A Brief History of Hagia Sophia." Hagia Sophia.
Hagia-Sophia.net, 2008. Web. 26 Nov. 2012. <http://www.hagia-sophia.net/history.htm>.
"Hagia Sophia." Hagia Sophia. N.p., n.d.
Web. 03 Nov. 2012. <http://www.hagiasophia.com/>.
"Hagia Sophia, Istanbul  ." Hagia
Sophia. Sacred Destinations, 19 Sept. 2009. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. <http://www.sacred-destinations.com/turkey/istanbul-hagia-sophia>.
"The History of the Hagia
Sophia." Hagia Sophia. ArchNet, n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2012. <http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.jsp?site_id=2966>.
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