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written by August Wilson
directed by Alex Martin |
The People’s Absurdist Theatre
No Performances - Production Cancelled |
Gem of the Ocean takes place during the 1910s in the Hill District, Pittsburgh, PA: not near any ocean. Due to steel mills, the air was visibly polluted and due to tensions between workers and managers, violence was common. In contrast to that, August Wilson's characters are written to be pure-hearted and "clean". My design builds on that juxtaposition.
Original Sketch
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The biggest challenge of this set was the need to enter the small stage from multiple points. By using light frames for the elements downstage, different entrances could be spaced further apart while minimally obstructing sightlines.
During Act II, Citizen Barlow has a vision that he is traveling by water while guided by Aunt Ester. To reflect that journey, I designed an extention to the front of the stage to be a reference to a ship's prow. |
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Color Palette
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For the background wall, I selected a swampy green that would be darkened at the bottom as if damaged by flooding. Together they represent the greater area as difficult and unclean waters.
Accenting the space, however, would have been bright blue elements representing the clean, clear water and the purity of the house's owner. These would have been small decorative objects, plates, or glassware. |
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SketchUp Model
Option AVertical Divider
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Option B |
Revision 1
