Solutions for Soft Set Utilising Local Materials in Theatre Arts

Abstract

The objective of this research is to find creative solutions to set construction by utilizing local materials for the creation of a soft set used in the theatre arts and to further develop and spread the body of knowledge of producing such fabric work for the theatre.   This would be accomplished as related to within the context of Thailand through local sourcing of human resources, materials, and tools that can be adapted to creating such sets, while also meeting basic requirements of stage design and retaining the beauty and strength of imported materials used in similarly designed soft sets made for the stage.

The drop is the largest piece of cloth which is made as a particular single piece. While non-domestic cloths can be imported from elsewhere, Thailand has many available fabric materials that can be used.  However, common locally sourced fabrics are often too narrow; and therefore, are needed to be sewn together as required by local curtain tailors; they along with their skills and industrial grade sewing machines, are perfect professional craftsman for these projects. In creating a drop, smoothing starch would be needed to smoothen the fabric. The process starts in the workshop with it first being stretched with small nails. The smoothing starch is then applied, blown dried and then followed with an application of paint before blown dried again.  With this methodical process, creases are prevented on the drop cloth. 

Cut drops are supported by a backing material such as a locally sourced fishnet that can be modified by tools to conform to the shape of the cut drop. Hiding glue, which has adhesive bonding and is suitable for the cleaving knots of fishnet and fabric, can then be used to securely affix a fishnet to the cut drop.