A Symbolic PLay?

Question:For an assiginment in my drama class, I am to synopsize a short play (of my own inviention) that should have a "symbolic yet practical set." Symbolic in that the set represents some theme in the play, and practical in that it is possible. Also, the play should be rather metaphorical in that it should perhaps represent something. I was thinking about some world issue that I could symbolize. But I'm not sure. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: For an assiginment in my drama class, I am to synopsize a short play (of my own inviention) that should have a "symbolic yet practical set." Symbolic in that the set represents some theme in the play, and practical in that it is possible. Also, the play should be rather metaphorical in that it should perhaps represent something. I was thinking about some world issue that I could symbolize. But I'm not sure. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

I LOVE set symbolism. Every play is supposed to have a concept. When I was in high school, we did director's books, and I chose the play The Miracle Worker. My concept was smoked glasses, because that's what the main character wears, and the whole play is about the limited visions of all the characters (whether metaphorically or physically). So my set was kind of closed-off, and only a portion of it was lit at a time.
It'd be harder to do a world issue, because that's not really a theme, that's an occurence. If you chose to do a world issue, though, you might want to have a theme behind it. Like if immigration was your issue, you could choose racism as your theme, and maybe have the set be all one color. You know? Message me if you have more questions.

Lee Blessing's "Eleemosynary" The cast is small and it consists of three women. The grandmother, mother and daughter. I've only seen it so I have never actually read the script, but there is ample opportunity to do a set that is symbolic or represents the three women at the three different stages of their life.

John Pielmeier's "Agnes of God" The cast is only three women and a minimal set so there is ample opportunity again to use symbolism. This play revolves around heavy religious themes where a nun is pregnant.

Moisaes Kaufman's "The Laramie Project" Huge cast, but again ample opportunity to do something symbolic. This play revolves around the hate crime against a young boy for being gay.

Tony Kushner's Angels In America. Lot's of symbolism in this play. It's heavy and again deals with adult issues which may be too heavy for you or possibly offensive, but I personally think it is a masterpiece.

I would go with something very simple so one of the first two plays mentioned would be an excellent choice. Remember less is more. The set is used to create the world the characters are in and enhance, not overshadow the action that is to take place.