EP0393132A1

EP0393132A1 - Theatrical system

Info

Publication number: EP0393132A1
Application number: EP89901083A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michael Rodney Browning
Original assignee: Concorde St George Productions Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Concorde St George Productions Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1987-12-24
Filing date: 1988-12-29
Publication date: 1990-10-24
Also published as: EP0393132A4; WO1989005682A1; CN1035777A; AU615513B2; ES2031734A6; AU2916389A; JPH03501689A

Abstract

Un système générateur d'images comporte une aire de scène (S) disposée horizontalement et, adjacente à l'aire de la scène, une aire de visualisation (V) dans laquelle un public (M) peut être accueilli afin de visualiser des images sur l'aire de la scène. L'aire de visualisation est adjacente et s'étend à l'opposé à partir d'une région frontale (132) de l'aire de la scène, de sorte que le public peut visualiser lesdites images dans une direction de visualisation s'étendant à partir de la région frontale jusqu'à une région arrière de l'aire de la scène. Le système comprend en outre au moins un moyen (126) générateur d'images que l'on peut commander pour générer une image (128), perçue à partir de ladite aire de visualisation comme étant située en arrière de l'aire de la scène, au-delà de sa région arrière. Le système comporte également un panneau (130) réfléchissant la lumière, s'étendant vers le haut, monté sur la région arrière de l'aire de la scène, l'image générée par le dit moyen générateur d'images au moins étant générée de manière à être réfléchie par ledit panneau, vers l'aire de visualisation, et ainsi est perçue à partir de ladite aire de visualisation comme étant située en arrière de ladite aire de la scène.An image generating system comprises a scene area (S) arranged horizontally and, adjacent to the scene area, a viewing area (V) in which an audience (M) can be accommodated in order to view images on the stage area. The viewing area is adjacent and extends opposite from a frontal region (132) of the scene area, so that the audience can view said images in a viewing direction extending from the front region to a rear region of the scene area. The system further comprises at least one image generator means (126) which can be controlled to generate an image (128), perceived from said viewing area as being located behind the area of the scene. , beyond its rear region. The system also includes an upwardly extending light reflecting panel (130) mounted on the rear region of the scene area, the image generated by at least said image generating means being generated from so as to be reflected by said panel, towards the viewing area, and thus is perceived from said viewing area as being situated behind said area of the scene.

Description

THEATRICAL SYSTEM

This invention relates to an improved theatrical system and, in particular, a system enabling a combination of an actual stage setting or the like and optical effects.

According to the invention, there is provided an image generating system, having a generally horizontally disposed stage area and, adjacent the stage area, a viewing area in which members of an audience can be accommodated for viewing images on the stage area, the viewing area being adjacent and extending away from a front region of the stage area such that the members can view said images in a viewing direction extending from the front region to a back region of the stage area, the system further including at least one image generating means operable to generate an image which is perceived from said viewing area as being located rearwardly of the stage area, beyond the back region thereof, there being an upwardly extending light reflective panel mounted across the back region of the stage area, the image generated by said at least one image generating means being generated such that it is reflected by said panel means towards the viewing area and thereby be perceived from said viewing area as located rearwardly of said stage area.

Members of an audience can be accommodated in the viewing area for viewing actual images or action on the stage area and/or images perceived as being part, or an integrated extension, of the stage area. The viewing area may be provid¬ ed with a seating array in which the members of the audience can be accommodated. Most conveniently, the stage area and the viewing area are enclosed in a suitable building structure. The building structure may be that of an existing theatre suitable for live productions. Alternatively, it may be a structure built specifically for housing a system according to the invention. Depending in part on which of these alternatives is adopted, variation is possible in the arrangement of the invention as will be detailed more fully in the following.

Most conveniently, the audience and stage areas are separated by a proscenium, setting limits to the stage area visible from normal viewing positions for audience members when accommodated in the audience area. Additionally, the two areas preferably are divided by an upstanding transparent panel adjacent the proscenium of which the purpose will become more apparent from the following description. Normal theatre curtains may be provided, if required. However, a fine film of gauze, through which images on the stage area can be viewed, may be provided behind the transparent panel.

The stage area may contain objects although these preferably are at least in part rearwardly of the stage area with respect to the audience area. Also, the available space may enable actors or participants to be present on and to move around the stage area.

The at least one image generating means preferably is such that the generated image is perceived as integrated with actual objects and/or the setting on the stage area, whether the latter are fixed or changeable, so as to provide a realistic perception of increased depth of the stage. The image generating means may be operable to generate an image which is perceived as a middle-ground, rearward extension of the stage area, such as one providing a substantially immediate rearward extension of the stage area. Alternatively, it may be operable to generate an image which is perceived as a distant rearward extension of the stage. Most preferably, there are two image generating means, each operable to generate a respective one of such middle-ground and distant rearward extensions. In the latter case, overall realism preferably is enhanced by the two generating means being integrated or inter-related such that the distant extension provided by one of them is perceived as an extension of the middle-ground extension, such as a substantially immediate extention thereof. Images of the middle and distant ground most preferably combine to provide a continuous, forced perspective.

The or each image generating means is positioned such that the image it generates is reflected towards the viewing area by the light reflective panel means mounted across the rear of the stage. The panel means extends upwardly, preferably from the stage floor. Its height, and also its width across the stage, most preferably is such that its upper edge, and also its side edges, are not discernable from the viewing area. Such height and width may be achieved by the dimensions of the panel means being such that it extends above and beyond each side of the stage area a distance such that its upper and side edges are concealed by the proscenium. Alternatively, those edges of the panel means may be concealed by objects on the stage area or the stage setting.

The size of panel means most preferably provided is such that it may not comprise a single sheet of light reflective material due to the limited upper size in which such material is available. In such case, the panel means may be formed of sub-units positioned in edge-to-edge relation to each other so as to constitute a single panel means.

The panel means may be provided by rear mirrored glass sheet. However, where it is necessary for the panel means to be formed of a number of sub-units of rear mirrored glass sheet, the doubly reflective nature of such sheet resulting from reflections from both the front and rear surfaces is found to highlight junctions between adjacent sub-units. Particularly where such sub-units are necessary, it is preferable for this reason to use non-mirrored glass sheet of which the rear surface has been painted a coating material applied thereover. The coating material preferably is a painted coating. With such painted glass, reflection substantially occurs only from the front surface and junctions between adjacent sub-units are not apparent, at least not to a significant extent from the viewing area.

In the foregoing, reference" is made to the rear surface of the panel means being painted. However, other arrangements are possible. For example, the rear surface may have applied thereto a substantially non-reflective film. The overall requirement is that panel means is light-reflective substantially only from its front surface. The paint, film or the like may be of any suitable form but, unless a particular overall colour-hue is required to be created, the colour preferably is neutral and so is chosen from white or black. with black being more highly preferred.

In a further alternative, the panel means may be such that it is capable solely of reflection from its front surface. It thus may be of front mirrored glass; glass having a reflective plastics film or metal foil over its front surface; relatively stiff wood panelling or plaster-board having a reflective film, foil or finish provided over its front surface; stiff metal sheet having a polished front surface or a reflective film, foil or finish over its front surface; stiff plastics sheeting having a glossy front surface or a reflective film, foil or finish over its front surface; or the like. However, in each of these alternatives, as well as those of rear-mirrored glass or glass sheet having its rear surface rendered substantially non-reflective, it is highly preferred that the panel means be substantially planar overall so that reflected images therefrom are not readily able to be perceived from the viewing area, due to the reflections being distorted to a significant degree, actually to be reflections.

The panel means extends upwardly, preferably from the stage floor and at or adjacent the rear of the stage area. Most preferably its lateral extent is substantially perpendicular to a medial vertical plane through both the stage and viewing areas. In such case, the panel means extends upwardly, and also rearwardly with respect to the stage area, such that is upper edge is further from the viewing area than its lower edge. However, other arrangements can be used; it being possible, for example, for the panel means to be substantially vertical, but inclined with respect to such medial plane so that one side edge thereof is nearer to the viewing area than its other side edge. However, for ease of further description it will be assumed, unless the contrary is specified, that the panel means is substantially perpendicular to the medial plane and extends upwardly and rearwardly.

In one form of the invention, an image generating means for the invention comprises an image source positioned relative to the stage area such that a reflection of an image from that source is directed by the panel means towards the audience. In such case, the image source most preferably is positioned above the stage area. However, the image source may be offset to one side of the stage area, or below the level of the stage area. In each case, the image source most preferably is concealed so as not to be directly visible from the viewing area. Thus, the stage area may have a setting which isolates the image source, such as by means of a roof or ceiling structure or the like which extends across the upper extent of the stage area, below the image source in the case of an image source positioned above the stage area. Alternatively, in such case, a partition or the like may extend across the lower extent of the stage fly-loft, at or above the height of the proscenium.

For an image generating means suitable for providing a middle-ground image by way of a reflection from the panel means, the generating means may comprise a secondary stage setting and means for providing front illumination the secondary setting. The secondary setting and its illuminating means may be mounted in the fly-loft above the stage area, with images or objects thereof reversed in that foreground images or objects of the secondary setting are located rearwardly, with respect to the stage area, of background images or objects of that setting. The secondary setting as a whole is located forwardly of the panel means, with the inclination and positioning of the secondary setting and the inclination of the panel means being such that a reflection of the secondary setting on the panel means is able to be seen from the viewing area. The reflection, of course, is reversed in the front to rear direction. Also, the reflection is perceived as a direct image of the secondary setting, as if that setting as reversed in the front to rear direction was in fact positioned rearwardly of the panel means by the same distance as separates panel means from the actual secondary setting. Most conveniently the arrangement is such that the perception of the secondary setting is of it constituting an actual, preferably middle-ground, rearward extension of the setting on the stage area.

In a variant of that arrangement, the secondary setting need not be perceived as reversed. In such case, a reflection of its image may be provided by image translating means located forwardly thereof in the fly-loft, with the reflection provided by the panel means being a secondary reflection of a reflection provided by the translating means. The translating means may comprise a second panel means similar to the panel means mounted at or adjacent the rear of the stage area. Also, the polarity of the image may be controlled by reversing the projected medium in the projector itself.

For an image generating means suitable for providing a distant rearward image by way of a reflection by the panel means, the generating means may comprise a screen and means for projecting an image on the screen. The screen may be one suitable for projecting thereon a static image, such as from a slide projector, or a cinematic image such as from a movie projector. In each case, the screen may be adapted for front or rear projection, using a suitable projector in each case.

A choice between these alternatives may depend in part on space available in the building in which the system according to the invention is incorporated. Rear projection can be used, but space constraints in an existing theatre building may necessitate use of a front projection system.

In one arrangement, the screen is mounted in the fly-loft above the stage area in a position, forwardly of the panel means, and at an inclination such that a reflection by the panel means of an image projected on the screen is able to be seen from the viewing area. The reflection is perceived from the viewing area as a direct image of that projected on the screen, as if the latter image was in fact positioned rearwardly of the panel means by the distance separating the panel means and screen. Again, the reflection provided by the panel means is a reversal, in the forward and reverse direction, of the image projected on the screen. Most conveniently, the arrangement is such that the perception of the projected image from the viewing area is of it constituting and actual, preferably distant, rearward extension of the setting on the stage area.

In a variant of that arrangement image translating means, such as described above, can be used to provide a first reflection of the image projected on the screen, with the panel means mounted at the rear of the stage area providing a secondary reflection of the projected image. In such case, a further panel means comprising the translating means can be mounted in the fly-loft area in a position forwardly of the panel means mounted rearwardly of the stage area. The translating means is mounted in a position and at an inclination suitable for providing the secondary reflection, with the screen being mounted rearwardly of the translating means in a position and at an inclination for enabling the image projected thereon to be reflected by the translating means.

The image provided by the or each image generating means preferably is such that it is perceived as being not only rearwardly of the stage area, but also as providing at least an approximate continuation of perspective from the setting on the stage area. That is, the perception of the image preferably includes a distant horizon seen from a slightly elevated position in the viewing area, with a middle-ground image seen as extending upwardly and rearwardly from the stage floor and a distant image as extending upwardly and rearwardly from the middle-ground image. To enhance the overall impression of image progression from the stage setting to the perceived image or images, the floor of the stage preferably is slightly raked upwardly and rearwardly. The viewing area also preferably is slightly raked, but in the opposite direction. The combination of the angles at which these areas are raked also gives the illusion of lowering the height of a distant horizon to the natural expected height. In order that the invention may more readily be understood, reference now is directed to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side sectional view of a theatre incorporating a system according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the theatre of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a partly cut-away perspective view of a theatre incorporating an alternative system according to the invention; and.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the stage area of a theatre having a still further alternative system.

Figures 1 and 2 are somewhat schematic. The theatre 10 depicted therein has opposed side walls 12, front and rear walls 14,16 and a roof structure 18. Theatre 10 is divided internally into a viewing area V, in which seating (not shown) for members of an audience is arranged, and a stage area S; with a proscenium P dividing areas V,S. Area S is raked upwardly and rearwardly, as shown in Figure 1 by stage floor 20, while area V is oppositely raked as shown by its floor 22.

The fly-loft F above area S is partially separated from area S by a decking structure 24 which continues toward wall 14, partly over area V. At the other, rear extent of fly-loft F, there is mounted a cinematic projector 26, operable to project onto a front projection screen 28 mounted in the continuation of loft F above area V.

At the rear of area S, there is mounted a light-reflective panel 30 such as described above in relation to the panel means of the system. Panel 30 extends across substantially the full width of area S, adjacent wall 16, and is inclined upwardly and rearwardly from floor 20. The relationship between the position of projector 26 and the position and inclination of each of screen 28 and panel 30 is such that a reflection, of the image generated on screen 28 by projector 26, is directed by panel 30 towards members of the audience in area V. However, those members of the audience perceive the image as if present rearwardly of screen 28, as at distant location 28b, spaced from panel 30 by at least the same distance as screen 28 is located forwardly of panel 30.

Location 28b also is perceived as a continuation of stage area

S, at horizontally the same height as the distant image on screen 28. Also, the rake of floor 20 of area S is such that the perceived image at 28b is visually inter-related with an actual stage setting at area S. Most preferably, the perception of perspective created by that stage setting is inter-related with perspective of the image projected on screen 28 and its perceived reflected image at 28b, as viewed along general cone of vision O. This latter inter-relationship heightens the perception of the depth of the reflected image rearwardly of panel 30, the perspective and actual depth being able to create the impression of the reflected image extending rearwardly to infinity, whilst maintaining a horizontal aspect.

On stage area S, an actual stage setting is depicted by spheres 32 which are able to be viewed directly from area

V. Such viewing of spheres 32 is facilitated by concealed, frontal lighting (not shown) around proscenium P, below decking structure 24 and/or within the structure of floor 20 forwardly of each sphere. However, spheres 32 also are illuminated by concealed rear lighting (not shown) , such as from side walls 12, roof structure 18 and/or rearwardly of spheres 32 from stage floor 20. As a consequence of such rear illumination, a reflection of the rear of spheres 32 is produced by panel 30, as depicted by spheres 32a, with the reflection of spheres 32 being perceived as spaced along a continuation of floor 20 as at 32b. Such rear illumination of spheres 32 may, of course, be of selected spheres only. Also, while the stage setting at area S is depicted by spheres 32 and the reflection thereof comprising spheres 32b, such normally will not be the case, and the perceived extension of the stage setting rearwardly of panel 30 need have little, if any, geometric similarity to an actual stage setting as viewed directly from area V.

On the upper surface of decking structure 24, there is provided a secondary stage setting depicted by spheres 34.

The secondary setting is reversed, in its front to rear direction, with respect to the actual setting depicted by spheres 32. Thus, the front of the secondary setting is adjacent the rear edge of structure 24, and the rear of the secondary setting is spaced from that edge forwardly with respect to stage area S. Spheres 34 are illuminated by front lighting (not shown) such as from roof structure 18, side walls 12 and/or forwardly of spheres 34 from the upper surface of decking structure 24. As a consequence, there is a reflection of the secondary setting in panel 30 which, from area V, is perceived as an extension of the actual stage setting on area S, rearwardly of panel 30, as depicted by spheres 34b. The reflection provided by panel 30 of the rear of spheres 32, and also that of the front of spheres 34, is reversed in the forward and rearward direction. Thus, the spheres 32,34 nearer panel 30 correspond to the nearer spheres

32b,34b perceived as being rearward of panel 30.

Additionally, with appropriate intensity of lighting of the front of spheres 32,34 and the rear of spheres 32, panel 30 is not perceived as being present at all. Thus, from viewing area V, members of a audience perceive the actual stage setting on area S as being of vast depth, ranging through the perception of the reflection of the rear of the spheres 32, followed by that of spheres 34 and finally that of the distant images on screen 28. This perception of depth, of course, is heightened by integrating the forced perspective and scale of the setting depicted by spheres 34 and the image projected on screen 28 with the perspective and scale of the actual setting depicted by spheres 32. Also the slope of decking structure

24, while opposite to the rake of stage floor 20, is of similar angle, facilitating integration of the actual and perceived settings in an overall continuum. Moreover, due to these effects and perspective present in the image projected on screen 28 by projector 26, the reflection of the image on screen 28 is not perceived as simply being of two dimensional form; the perception being of a three dimensional form which is heightened by the substantial distance separating screen 28 from panel 30 and, hence, by the depth at which the reflection is perceived as being rearwardly of panel 30.

The overall arrangement of Figures 1 and 2 will more readily be understood by consideration of the partially pictorial representations of Figure 3, in which the same reference numerals plus 100 depict corresponding features.

However, in Figure 3, the perceived images rearwardly of panel

130 are not represented in the name manner as in Figures 1 and

2. Rather, they are shown by inset 3A, in which they are depicted in a planar representation, as is the actual stage setting 132 in Figure 3.

In Figure 3, projector 126 is shown projecting an image onto screen 128. The back of a front projection screen is shown, although the projected image is illustrated thereon as if screen 128 in fact is a rear projection screen, this being simply to enable the projected image to be depicted in Figure 3 and, in reality, screen 128 is completely opaque. The image on screen 128 is reflected by panel 130; the reflection being in fact depicted on panel 130 for ease of illustration. However, as viewed by a member M of an audience in viewing area V, the reflection provided by panel 130 is perceived as rearwardly of panel 130 at least by the distance separating panel 130 and screen 128.

The actual setting 132 on stage area S is shown in Figure 3 in planar form for ease of illustration. However, it extends rearwardly over floor 120 of that area, with live performers L (shown schematically) being able to move about stage area S.

Above decking structure 124, which slopes rearwardly and downwardly over the forward region of stage area S, there is a forced perspective, three-dimensional secondary stage setting 134. The latter is reversed in the forward and rearward direction relative to actual setting 132, and also is exposed to matching illumination so as to be reflected by panel 130.

The overall arrangement of Figure 3, as seen by a member M in viewing area V, is schematically illustrated in inset 3A. Member M sees in the lower foreground C, the actual stage setting 132; while such person also sees the mid-height, middle-ground B reflection of the secondary setting 134, reversed in the forward and rearward direction, and also the upper, distant ground A provided by a reflection of the image projected on screen 128. The person sees the actual stage setting 132 in three-dimensional form, although it is shown in Figure 3 and insert 3A as if only two-dimensional. Also, the three-dimensional secondary stage setting 134 is seen as three-dimensional, although this is shown in inset 3A as two-dimensional. Moreover, the reflection of the projected image on screen 28, which actually is two-dimensional and shown as such, is perceived as also being three-dimensional due to integration of its perspective with that of stage setting 132, any perceived reflection of the rear of setting 132 and the perceived reflection of setting 134.

Figure 3, for ease of illustration, does not show panel 130 as reflecting the rear of features of actual stage setting 132. The arrangement is such that perception of the reflection of setting 134 is of it being an immediate extension of setting 132. However, setting 132 does include mask members 140, depicting for example forced perspective shapes of trees or rock formations, which constrain the overall lateral extent of the viewing angle of audience members M to the general central region in which the perception of depth is created.

In the arrangement of Figure 4, the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 and 2, plus 200, are used to denote similar features. However, the representation of Figure 4 simply is of the stage area S and the fly-loft F; the viewing area being to the right of Figure 4 in the region of co-ordinate reference system U.

In Figure 4, twin, synchronised projectors P,Pa are provided. Projector P operates as for previous embodiments, and projects an image I onto screen 228; with that image being reflected by panel 230 as depicted by la, but perceived as an image lb rearwardly of panel 230. While not shown, the arrangement of Figure 4 can include a secondary stage setting in the fly-loft F which is perceived as located rearwardly of panel 230 by reflection in the latter; while a setting (not shown) on stage area S also can be illuminated from behind to generate a perceived image rearwardly of panel 230.

The projector Pa is positioned to generate an image Ix on secondary screen 250, located in loft F below screen 228. The angle of projection of projector Pa, and the position and inclination of screen 250 is such that a reflection of image Ix in panel 230 is not visible from viewing area V. However, below screen 250 and forwardly of panel 230, there is provided an inclined, clear glass panel 252. The latter is positioned and inclined so that it produces a reflection ly of image Ix which is visible from area V; with image ly being perceived as a transparent image Iz, located on stage area S, forwardly of panel 230. While image Iz is perceived as forwardly of panel 230, due to the spacing between screen 250 and panel 252, that spacing could be such that image Iz is perceived as being located rearwardly of panel 230.

In each embodiment, a respective clear glass sheet 60,160,260 is provided across the respective proscenium P. Such sheet preferably is of toughened glass and is able to act as a protective barrier. However, its presence also is found to heighten the perception of depth of the actual stage area S, beyond each panel 30,130,230, by making the presence of the latter panel less readily apparent. However, in the case of the arrangement of Figure 4, panel 252 acts to obscure the presence of panel 230 without detracting from performance of the latter, while the presence of panel 252 itself is not readily apparent due to it being of clear glass and the concealing effect of sheet 260.

Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the constructions and arrangements of parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. An image generating system, having a generally horizontally disposed stage area and, adjacent the stage area, a viewing area in which members of an audience can be accommodated for viewing images on the stage area, the viewing area being adjacent and extending away from a front region of the stage area such that the members can view said images in a viewing direction extending from the front region to a back region of the stage area; the system further including at least one image generating means operable to generate an image which is perceived from said viewing area as being located rearwardly of the stage area, beyond the back region thereof, there being an upwardly extending light reflective panel mounted across the back region of the stage area, the image generated by said at least one image generating means being generated such that it is reflected by said panel means towards the viewing area and thereby be perceived from said viewing area as located rearwardly of said stage area.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein said stage area is a stage of a theatre building structure, said viewing area being a seating area within said structure.

3. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said stage area and viewing area are divided by an upstanding transparent panel, such as adjacent a proscenium.

4. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said stage area is provided with objects, whether real or of a stage setting, but having space enabling actors or participants to be present on and to move around the stage area, with the arrangement being such that the generated image provided by said at least one image generating means is perceived as integrated with said objects so as to provide a perception of increased depth of the stage area.

5. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein there is a middle-ground image generating means and the image generated by this is reflected towards the viewing area by said panel means such that the reflected image is perceived as a middle-ground, rearward extension of the stage area.

6. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein there is a rear-ground image generating means and the image generated by this is reflected towards the viewing area by said panel means such that the reflected image is perceived as a distant, rearward extension of the stage area.

7. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said at least one image generating means includes a middle-ground image generating means and a rear-ground image generating means, the image generated by each of said generating means being reflected by said panel means such that the reflected image of said middle-ground image generating means is perceived as a middle-ground, rearward extension of the stage area and the reflected image of the rear-ground image generating means is perceived as a distant, rearward extension of the stage area and also as a rearward extension of the perceived image of the middle-ground image generating means.

8. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said panel means is of a height, and of a width laterally of said viewing direction, such that its upper and side edges are not discernible from the viewing area.

9. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said panel means is rear-mirrored glass sheet.

10. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said panel means is non-mirrored glass sheet of which the rear surface is provided with a coating material.

11. A system according to claim 9, wherein said coating material comprises paint applied over said rear surface of said glass sheet.

12. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said panel means is capable solely of reflection from its front surface, said panel means comprising a panel provided with a reflective front surface finish.

13. A system according to claim 12, wherein said finish is provided by a reflective coating material provided over said front surface.

14. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said panel means is substantially planar and is inclined with respect to a medial vertical plane through said stage and viewing areas.

15. A system according to claim 14, wherein the lateral extent of said panel means is perpendicular to plane, said panel means extending upwardly and rearwardly with respect to the stage area.

16. A system according to claim 14, wherein said panel means is substantially vertical, with its lateral extent inclined with respect to said plane.

17. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein said at least one image generating means comprises an image source positioned relative to the stage area such that a reflection of an image from that source is directed by the panel means towards the viewing area.

18. A system according to claim 17, wherein the image source is positioned above the stage area, but is concealed so as not to be directly visible from the viewing area.

19. A system according to claim 17 or claim 18, as appended to claim 4, wherein said middle-ground image generating means comprises a secondary stage setting and means for providing front illumination of the secondary setting.

20. A system according to claim 19, wherein said secondary setting and its illuminating means is mounted above the stage area, with images or objects of said secondary setting being reversed, front to back, with respect to the stage area.

21. A system according to claim 20, wherein said secondary setting is located forwardly of the panel means and at a position and inclination, relative to the inclination of the panel means, such that a reflection of the secondary setting by the panel means, reversed in the front to back direction, is visible from the viewing area and perceived therefrom as a direct image positioned rearwardly of the panel means, such as if constituting an actual middle-ground, rearward extension of the stage area.

22. A system according to claim 19, wherein said secondary setting and its illuminating means is mounted above the stage area and faces image translating means located forwardly of the panel means, the translating means providing a first reflection of the secondary setting, a secondary reflection of said setting by the panel means being visible from the viewing area and perceived therefrom as a direct image positioned rearwardly of the panel means, such as if constituting an actual middle-ground extension of the stage area.

23. A system according to claim 17 or claim 18, as appended to claim 5, wherein said rear-ground image generating means comprises a screen and projector means for providing a projected image on said screen.

24. A system according to claim 23, wherein the screen is mounted above the stage area, forwardly of the panel means, and at an inclination relative to the panel means, such that a reflection by the panel means of a projected image provided on the screen by the projector means is visible from the viewing area and perceived therefrom as a direct image positioned rearwardly of the panel means, such as if constituting an actual rear-ground extension of the stage area.

25. A system according to claim 23, wherein the screen is mounted above the stage area and faces image translating means located forwardly of the panel means, the translating means providing a first reflection of a projected image provided on the screen by the projector means, a secondary reflection by the panel means of said first reflection being visible from the viewing area and perceived therefrom as a direct image positioned rearwardly of the panel means, such as if constituting an actual rear-ground extension of the stage area.

26. A system according to claim 17 or claim 18, as appended to claim 7, wherein said middle-ground image generating means comprises a secondary stage setting and means for providing front illumination of the secondary setting, and wherein said rear-ground image generating means comprises a screen and projector means for providing a projected image on said screen.

27. A system according to claim 26, wherein said secondary setting and its illuminating means is mounted above the stage area, with images or objects of said secondary setting being reversed, front to back, with respect to the stage area.

28. A system according to claim 27, wherein said secondary setting is located forwardly of the panel means and at a position and inclination, relative to the inclination of the panel means, such that a reflection of the secondary setting by the panel means, reversed in the front to back direction, is visible from the viewing area and perceived therefrom as a direct image positioned rearwardly of the panel means, such as if constituting an actual middle-ground, rearward extension of the stage area.

29. A system according to claim 27, wherein said secondary setting and its illuminating means is mounted above the stage area and faces first image translating means located forwardly of the panel means, the first translating means providing a first reflection of the secondary setting, a secondary reflection of said setting by the panel means being visible from the viewing area and perceived therefrom as a direct image positioned rearwardly of the panel means, such as if constituting an actual middle-ground extension of the stage area.

30. A system according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the screen is mounted above the stage area, forwardly of the panel means, and at an inclination relative to the panel means, such that a reflection by the panel means of a projected image provided on the screen by the projector means is visible from the viewing area and perceived therefrom as a direct image positioned rearwardly of the panel means, such as if constituting an actual rear-ground extension of the stage area.

31. A system according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the screen is mounted above the stage area and faces second image translating means located forwardly of the panel means, the second translating means providing a first reflection of a projected image provided on the screen by the projector means, a secondary reflection by the panel means of said first reflection being visible from the viewing area and perceived therefrom as a direct image positioned rearwardly of the panel means, such as if constituting an actual rear-ground extension of the stage area.