Resource Photos - Set Decor, Props, Paint & Textures
Rez Sisters Design Concept September 20, 2012 - Costume Images moved to new page
We've removed the porch/door to no where and split the fence to make an entrance to the yard of Marie Adele. I tried a few other things but didn't like the look at all so I moved the trees a bit and it works pretty well. Once I made them look more Ojibway/Woodland Art in style I like the look alot. Instead of us the audience looking at the Starblanket home perhaps instead its as though we have our backs to the house and Marie Adele could make her entrance from the VOM. The gate also gives a nice playing area for Nanabush upstage out of the yard and an exit for Zha when she runs out and does her monologue.
Audience on Stage -
If we can do this safely and on budget we would like to move the audience on stage to increase the intimacy of the show by making the audience literally part of the Wasaychigan Reserve.
In this seating configuration we could seat 86 patrons comfortably and squeeze in another 8-10 easily for busy nights and maybe more around the edges for opening once we see the blocking. [click on images to enlarge]
In this seating configuration we could seat 86 patrons comfortably and squeeze in another 8-10 easily for busy nights and maybe more around the edges for opening once we see the blocking. [click on images to enlarge]
Weathered Pallets
The year is 1986 - 26 years ago - Northern Ontario
To create the texture of the Wasaychigan Reserve on Manitoulin the plan is to use old weathered pallets and to repurpose them into set pieces. Much has changed in 26 years but I like the idea of using pallets and what they can say about Canadian Aboriginal policy. They work on many levels.
I would like to make it obvious to the audience wherever possible that we are using pallets. Things like the store shelves [at left], tables and walls should be made using entire pallets. Other elements will be made with dismantled and repuposed pallets so that the weathered and dilapidated look will be constant in most of the set elements. I would even like things like the car to be a weathered wooden look.
[Reference images of re purposed pallets are below]
The colour in this concept will come from the contrast created by the use of colourful props, fabrics, costumes and lights.
I want to point out that another element to reserve life is that although living conditions may not be the greatest there is a great pride in living on ones own Ancestral Lands. I can not explain how deep that connection is. Aboriginal people can laugh and find humour in squalor because there is still beauty in nature. Every house has laughter in the walls. We will bring this humour and even whimsy to the set by exaggerating elements and even making things out of scale. Like the Tricksters ability to play with reality we too will do the same.
To create the texture of the Wasaychigan Reserve on Manitoulin the plan is to use old weathered pallets and to repurpose them into set pieces. Much has changed in 26 years but I like the idea of using pallets and what they can say about Canadian Aboriginal policy. They work on many levels.
I would like to make it obvious to the audience wherever possible that we are using pallets. Things like the store shelves [at left], tables and walls should be made using entire pallets. Other elements will be made with dismantled and repuposed pallets so that the weathered and dilapidated look will be constant in most of the set elements. I would even like things like the car to be a weathered wooden look.
[Reference images of re purposed pallets are below]
The colour in this concept will come from the contrast created by the use of colourful props, fabrics, costumes and lights.
I want to point out that another element to reserve life is that although living conditions may not be the greatest there is a great pride in living on ones own Ancestral Lands. I can not explain how deep that connection is. Aboriginal people can laugh and find humour in squalor because there is still beauty in nature. Every house has laughter in the walls. We will bring this humour and even whimsy to the set by exaggerating elements and even making things out of scale. Like the Tricksters ability to play with reality we too will do the same.
PROPS NOTE - the script calls for a Van. I'd like to find a way to make just the front of a van using pallets,wood and household items. Its makes a joke of the slang term 'Rez Car.' [a well aged vehicle, often found on the rez, with many dents, an unmentionable amount of rust, smoke, noise and odor]
There will be aspects of Ojibway art throughout the play. These elements are to help showcase the beauty and connection to the land. Particularly in the parts where Nanabush is involved we would like to use projections if it is possible [see ideas below] I am using inspirations from Daphhne Odjig a nationally revered Ojibway artist.