Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a poster by The Drawing Room. It dates from 1984 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
One wears a football uniform with the number 5, another has a yellow cap and dark clothes, and the third is in an orange dress.
This poster shows three bold, cut-out figures in bright colors against a black background. One wears a football uniform with the number 5, another has a yellow cap and dark clothes, and the third is in an orange dress. Behind them, a city skyline glows green, with a yellow "MANNA" banner stretched across the top.
The poster was made for a 1984 theater show called *The Wiz*, based on *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz*. The bright, flat colors and sharp edges give it a graphic, almost comic-book feel.
Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more posters like this.
Overview
This untitled poster promotes the 1984 musical adaptation of *The Wiz*, a stage interpretation of *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz*. The design features three prominent figures set against a black background, overlaid with a glowing green cityscape and a distinctive yellow banner reading 'MANNA'.
Subject & Meaning
The poster's subjects include three stylized characters: one in a football uniform (number 5), another in a yellow cap and dark attire, and a third in an orange dress. These figures, combined with the urban backdrop and 'MANNA' banner, suggest a contemporary, possibly futuristic, reinterpretation of the classic Oz narrative.
Technique & Style
The poster is characterized by bold, cut-out figures, bright flat colors, and sharp edges, evoking a graphic and comic-book-inspired aesthetic. This visual approach contributes to the overall modern and stylized representation of *The Wiz*.
History & Provenance
Designed for the 1984 production of *The Wiz* at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, London (premiering December 8), the poster advertises a specific theatrical event directed by Peter James, with notable contributions from William F. Brown (adaptation), Charlie Smalls (music and lyrics), and starring Clem Curtis.
Context
Part of a broader trend of reimagining classic tales for contemporary audiences, this poster reflects the 1980s' vibrant theatrical scene, particularly in London. Its style and subject matter place it within the era's graphic design and musical theater traditions.
Legacy
Now part of a broader collection of theatrical posters, this work can be contextualized within the Victoria and Albert Museum's holdings, offering insights into 1980s design and the evolution of *The Wizard of Oz* adaptations.
Artist & collection
Artist
This artist made bold, graphic posters full of crisp lines and flat color. In 1983 they designed the Theatre Royal Bath poster, a crisp black-and-white announcement for a play season. Their untitled works from 1980,…
