Design+Questions

1. What is meant to be the relationship of the performers to the audience?

David Ives’ Variations On the Death of Trotsky focuses on a more presentational style, differing from its representational counterpart. Often times the performers directly relate to the audience by following the stage directions provided in the script. For example, Trotsky’s line “the universe as viewed by the victors” is directed at the audience rather than his wife, a choice illustrated by the (to audience) that precedes the line. In this particular production, the relationship between the performers and the audience is fairly close because of these choices made in the script.

2. Are the performers and audience meant to occupy the same room?

Yes, both of the groups should occupy the same room. Relating back to the first question, we can draw on the fact that the play adapts a more presentational style, pandering to the audience by forcing action and involvement upon them. Further evidence of this viewpoint is provided in the script’s setting section, where directors are instructed to construct “a large wall calendar [that] announces that today is August 21, 1940.” This decision to incorporate such a prop indicates that the audience should be in the room, as the calendar’s sole function is to cater to the audience.

3. What is the period of dramatic action? How does that effect movement?

The period of the dramatic action is post Russian turmoil and confusion in leadership. This period in time advances the action of the play by providing the intrusion that disrupts the stasis of the play. Without the politically driven assassination attempt motivated by the time period, the play would never advance from Trotsky’s calm life in Coyoacán, Mexico.

4. What is the geographical location of the action?

The entirety of the action takes place in Trotsky’s house, located in Coyoacán, a borough into which Mexico's Federal District is divided. This fact is divulged in the exposition of the play through dialogue. This particular house serves as a supposed hideout from the Russians he was hiding from.

5. What time of day is it?

An exact time of day isn’t given but the audience can infer that it is sometime mid-day, before the dinner that is forth-coming assuming Trotsky survives. While it is somewhat vague, no distinct evidence contrasts this belief.

6. How are the personalities of the characters reflected in the set, lights, costumes and music?

Many factors go into establishing the personalities of the characters. The set plays a role, when you consider Trotsky’s desk, which is described as being “covered with books and papers.” This tidbit mentioned in the setting section of the script characterizes Trotsky as a dedicated worker to his research and thoughts. Costumes also play a role, as seen in Ramon’s character. Stereotypically dressed, Ramon is depicted as the epitome of Spanish culture in his “sombrero, serape, huaraches and guitar.” Finally, lights also play a role in the characterization of the play’s characters. Stage directions suggest that the play opens with lights illuminated Trotsky hard at work, furthering the notion of his hard working tendencies and placing a certain importance on his character.

7. What is the weather? Is it hot or cold? Is it bright or dull?

Although direct characterization of the weather is not offered, the audience can infer that it is fairly warm, based on the setting. Because the audience knows that it is summer in Mexico it is easy to assume that the temperature if fairly high. From this we can most likely infer that it is bright as well, as no details contrasting this view point are offered.

8. What is the socio/economic status of the characters?

While none of the characters fill either end of the spectrum, the audience can gain a vague view into their status through insight. Trotsky and his wife, as you would assume, are most likely upper middle class, as they are rich enough to hire a gardener for their house. Ramon Mercader is most likely middle class as well, as he was a Soviet assassain, and not really a low wage gardener.

9. What are the occupations of the characters?

Technically, Ramon’s occupation in the play is a lowly gardener, but given the historical context it is fairly obvious he transcends this basic role as some kind of assassin for the Soviet Union. Leon Trotsky occupation, if it can be considered as such, is a revolutionary leader against his former homeland, Russia. No indication of Trotsky’s wife’s occupation is given in the play, though she is most likely a homemaker.

10. How old are the characters?

Trotsky is characterized as an older man in the play, a fact confirmed by his death age of 60. Mrs. Trotsky is most likely around the same age as Leon, with Ramon younger than the couple. Ramon’s status as a younger character relates to his gardener occupation, which would suggest someone nearing their thirties.

11. What is the relationship of characters to each other?

Mrs. And Mr. Trotsky are obviously wife and husband, relating nicely to each other for the most part. Ramon Mercader is their gardener, though his relationship really deals with his latent role as a Soviet assassin sent to kill Mr. Trotsky.

12. Which characters are to be emphasized? Which are to be subordinated?

Leon Trotsky, the focus of the play, is the most emphasized player. He is the namesake of the play and the action of the play focuses on his death. Mrs. Trotsky plays another important role, moving the story along with her questioning that moves the play along. Ramon Mercader is more of a subordinated character, given only a few lines and hidden by the structure of the plot, which chooses to focus not on the actual assassination attempt but on the events surrounding it.

13. Where are the entrances and exits?

Mr. Trotsky is on the stage during the entire act, with Mrs. Trotsky entering after the first few lines uttered by Leon Trotsky. Ramon does not enter the stage until the six variation of the play when Mrs. Trotsky calls him in.

14. What are the furniture and property needs of the play and how do they reflect the characters and their actions?

Not much furniture and property is needed during the action of the play. The director recommends several setting pieces, mostly involving pieces to give the area a feeling of a normal house. One important piece is the desk, which Trotsky is situated at during the beginning of the play which characterizes him as a hard working man dedicated to his cause. Another important piece is the large wall calendar, which allows the audience to read the day of Trotsky’s death. Finally, windows are recommended in order to showcase “lush tropical fronds and greenery” establishing the setting as Mexico for the play.