Our goal is to help you to understand how the various elements of the script work together to form a kind of blueprint for the production of this musical.

Although it is common to think of a script as the words spoken by actors, that is only one element. In addition to the dramatic text, the script for a multimedia musical such as Heartfield also includes stage directions, suggestions for scenography (such as lighting and stage set), and description of specific images (pictures, artwork) to be used in the production.

Kenneth Vega, the composer and writer of Heartfield, wrote this musical in a style known as Epic Theatre. The production is not an accurate chronological or literal re-telling of John Heartfield's life and the political events that affected him, but an artistic presentation based on actual historical events. In keeping with the philosophy of Epic Theatre, Heartfield the musical uses theatrical techniques intended to cause the audience to question and think about what is being performed by the actors, rather than relating to the actors emphatically or emotionally. One of these techniques is the use of projections of John Heartfield's political artwork throughout the show, which function as a kind of commentary on the action in the scenes. Signs are also used to locate the time and place of specific scenes.

The music and lyrics in Heartfield are as important as the lines spoken by the actors in the show. There are several links in this section of the web site that will take you to other sections that provide a closer look at the music of the show.

This site is still under construction. We would appreciate any feedback about or ideas for this site, so if you have anything to say just click on the pencil. 

This section has features to make the exploration of the script easier. As you read the scene synopsis you will see various logos that will allow you to link to additional information. Please refer to the logo definitions below.