The Tempest - Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

In 2013, I was invited back to the University of Illinois, Urbana- Champaign as a Guest Artist-in-Residence with the Department of Theater, in partnership with the Departments of Landscape Architecture and Architecture. Over the course of the year, I collaborated with director, Robert G. Anderson, to stage an environmentally responsible production of William Shakespeare’s final play, The Tempest for the Krannert Center for Performing Arts. The design took advantage of the University’s deep reserves of stock platforms to create a landscape that takes on the look and feel of a spectacular landfill – isolating in its monumentality. The piles serve as a playground for exploration by the characters and allows for dramatic lighting and sound opportunities. The vertical rope connections provide a sense of continual change as controlled by Ariel(s) as they move deeper into the island. In addition to the scenic design, I collaborated with artist Jowita Wyszomirska on the design and production of the animations projected on the 50’ wide by 30’ high backdrop.