Dancing at Lughnasa

Roadside Theatre
Heidelberg, Germany
March 2000
Costumes Provided by Theatrix
Directed by Ron Paoletti
 

Production Notes:
The director and I agreed that Dancing at Lughnasa needed to be a play filled with texture and richness.  We also agreed that while the show would have realistic elements (including the turf stove and bread being made) that the overall look needed to convey the memory quality of the play.  Scenically, this meant carving down the walls of the house to a gentle rolling hill shape that was continued in lighting on the rear scrim.  It meant allowing the bit of tree branch to end abruptly.  It also meant allowing the lighting to play a more symbolic role.  The light inside the house was softer and cooler, a place dominated by Kate's stoic personality.  Outside, the "last bit of warmth" was felt on the faces of the family, and though in the end we did try to invoke a sunset, we never tied ourselves to creating realistic time of day.  It is Michael who feels the strongest pull of this warmth, causing him to leave his home.

This play was entered in the US Army's Europe-wide "Tournament of Plays" where it won many awards, inlcuding best drama, best lighting design, best scenic design, best technical direction, best director and many acting awards.
 

Related Links:

Dancing at Lughnasa Light Plot