RATIONALE FOR THE
CHARACTER SKETCH-SHUKOV
The specific scene chosen for the character Sketch is
when Shukov is sent to the guardhouse by Tartar to
wash the floor. As he washes the floor he remembers
his good old days and Solzhenitsyn characterizes
Shukov by using flashback. While Shukov is washing
the floor he is humiliated and disgraced by some
unknown guards. This scene is important in terms of
characterization and depiction of the oppression in
the camp.
The events that take place in the guardhouse reflect
the dehumanization process that the prisoners suffer.
In order to transfer the same effect the character
would have an expression of agony while he is
acting. I would portray the character as middle-aged,
skinny man whose hair and beard are at the same
length. Moreover, his face, his hands and feet would
be covered in dirt. The costume would be baggy,
deformed and stitched but I would use relatively
clean costumes for Shukov because he always takes
great care of his personal belongings. As the character
is performing he would keep the same expression of
agony all the time but he would smile only once and
look into the distance when he remembers his past. I
would employ colorful lights when he thinks about his
past and the use of white light would create a stark
contrast between the character’s current situation
and his past.
ONE DAY IN THE LIFE
OF IVAN DENISOVICH
DIRECTOR’S BOOK
Rationale for the Dining Scene
“He didn’t hang around- no hope for any leftovers to
scrape out of Shukov’s bowl. Shukov pulled his spoon
out of his boot. His little baby. It had been with him his
whole time in the North, he’d cast it with his own hands
in sand out of aluminum wire, and it was embossed
with the words, “Ust-Izhma 1944”. Then he removed
his head from his clean-shaven head- however cold it
might be, he could never bring himself to eat with his
hat on- and stirred the cold stew, taking a quick look
to see what kind of helping they’d given him.” (One
Day In the Life of Ivan Denisovich, p.65)
This scene vividly describes the atmosphere of the
dining room and Shukov’s ritual of eating. This scene
has been chosen to be transferred because this is
one of the scenes that the readers can gain more
insight into Shukov’s real identity. While most of the
prisoners lick their bowls, spit on the ground and look
for more food Shukov exhibits decent manners while
he is eating. In order to reflect visual and auditory
imageries that Solzhenitsyn uses in this scene I would
use many actors on the stage eating, shouting, and
fighting in the dark. However, I would use a spotlight
to illuminate Shukov while he is eating. The spotlight
would stress individuality of the main character and
show that he is different from the other prisoners.
ENGLISH
DEPARTMENT
Onur Kağan COŞKUN
11-A
Ahmet Hamdi KÜRKÇÜOĞLU
11-A
THE CLAPPER 2014 - 2015
27