Set design for the performance SAIL by PLAY Productions…
Sail is a visual and poetic theater performance about the power of the sea and the futility of man. The show portrays the solo journey of a woman (Jona) who leaves her daily routine behind to dedicate herself to a long trip on a sailboat. This is a world in which she is alone, where the sea proves to be like a fierce goddess: a goddess that is not necessarily hospitable to her guest.
Sail is about the confrontation with nature and thus with ourselves, with our mortality, our dreams and our regrets. Themes like fear, loneliness and death are portrayed through the use of puppetry, video projections and movement.
Elements
The Raft:
The raft obviously represents the yacht. But it also stands for being adrift, to rely on fate and leave oneself at the mercy of Mother Nature. The letting go of materialism. It can consist of stage-risers at around 30 cm high, perhaps covered with a faux-wood vinyl. This would make it a lot easier to travel internationally with this performance. (Which we know is going to happen, it has already been sold to be played in Norway and France).
The Sail:
The sail can be projected on. Has to be able to be manipulated by the performer. Because of its strong visual referencing to sailing itself, the rest of the design can be stylised much more. The different positions of the sail can be representative of different characters or narratives within the piece. Something to be researched further, is the possibilities for playing with shadows on the sail itself.
The sail suggests some sense of control over the elements.
The Sea
An Island, like an oil-spill made up from old fishing nets and ropes surrounding the raft on stage. It is both the sea and the ‘garbage patch’ in the ocean. The tel-tale signs of our use and abuse of the oceans and seas. It can hamper the performer, work against her. The character Yemaya, or parts of her, can be incorporated in this netting. It could be animated using lighting from the sides, or moving heads…..making the still sea come alive.
SAIL will be performed by Cat Smits, and is a co-production by PLAY Productions and Duda Paiva Company.