Dangerous Liaisons

SUNY Cortland Performing Arts Fall 2018

Lab Theatre

  For this show I worked with Director Dr. Deena Conley to create a minimal setting that allowed for the many locations and scene changes to flow together smoothly.

  I was initially inspired by the French Baroque architecture and gold leaf  moulding details.  I wanted to incorporate the motifs of Baroque French architecture with the floral texture of complex ornamental detail.  I chose to keep the details of the world minimal, using glossy black with hints of gold to establish the floral motif.  Referencing the lavish chandeliers of the period I was also inspired by modern artists who use bare light bulbs to transform an open space.  I used bare bulbs from the floor to represent the candelabras of 18th century French aristocracy.  I used bare bulbs and clear globes hanging in the air to represent the candle light and the starry night sky.   

During the tech process I discovered that the large doors used to hide the three different bedroom locations, in the play, were catching the light in an unforeseen and unfortunate way.  After contemplating a solution I decided to apply black lace fabric to the doors.  This was indicative of the 18th century fabric style and patterns and also created a breakup texture to the large flat door surface.  Serendipity often supplies the best solutions to a problem.