the construction of a set…. research images the cliffs of moher on the west coast of ireland

The Construction of a Set…

The Cliffs of Moher on the west coast of Ireland

A dilapidated Irish cottage, one of many lasting reminders of the horrors of the Irish Potato Famine which halved the population of Ireland by death and emigration beginning in September of 1845. The Famine left a an indelible mark on the psyche of the nation and strengthened the hostilities between the Irish and English who, for the most part, did nothing to help.

What will eventually be a cliff wall section, is painted in the scene shop

Pieces of the Cliff Walls are carved from wood and foam and painted

Construction of the house is underway in the Tornabene Theatre where Medea will ultimately be performed

Construction of the platforms and stairs for the set take place on site in the Tornabene

The Cliffs have been finished and hoisted into place, construction of the platforms continues and other scenic rock pieces are being created and painted

The house, now painted, is taken apart and moved piece by piece into position on the platforms. The size of the platform made it impossible to move ladders around the house to paint it in its final position, thus it was painted on the deck and moved into place later.

The house weighs a few hundred pounds and many hands were needed to move each of the pieces.

The last piece of the house is moved to the platform

The house is braced and installed on the platforms

The lighting designer, electricians and crew work to hang and eventually cable and focus the lighting instruments on the tension grid above the stage for Medea.

Over the weekend, the floor pieces were painted and installed and large boulders were brought in from a local rock supplier. The prop master has also begun to load in some props.

Techs are using a harness hung from the grid to add details to places that cannot be reached by ladders.

Painting the rocks… to look like rocks…

(one can only assume in an effort to keep a cohesive color scheme and environment).

TO BE CONTINUED!

As the work goes on, more photos will be added!

Last updated Jan 29, 2009