Orson Welles designs for Dr. Faustus
of constriction and confinement, until they are drawn nearer to the influence of the triangle, when their forms will change to appearances less ferocious and frightful, and become more submissive and tractable. When the forms of conjuration have in this manner been sufficiently repeated the spirits forsake their bestial shapes, and enter the human form, appearing like men of gentle countenance and behaviour. With great care also must the spirit be discharged after the ceremony is finished, and has answered all the demands made upon him. The magician must wait patiently till he has passed through all the terrible forms which announce his coming, and only when the last shriek has died away, and every trace of fire and brimstone has disappeared, may he leave the circle and depart home in safety.
Production notes, costume designs, photographs and more from Faustus can be viewed online at the Library of Congress.
Welles would follow Faustus with a non-WPA production, The Second Hurricane for Aaron Copland on April 21, 1937 at the Henry Street Playhouse. Welles’ final WPA production, the landmark The Cradle Will Rock, opened on June 16, 1937 at the Venice Theatre.
Orson Welles designs for Dr. Faustus
