WEATHERING, 2022
PENUMBRA THEATRE, World Premiere, Playwright Harrison David Rivers, Director Colette Robert, Scenic Design Chelsea M. Warren, Costume Design Trevor Bowen, Lighting Design Kathy Maxwell, Sound Design Ahanti Young, Set Built by University of Minnesota Professional Shop, Technical Director Zeb Hults, Scenic Charge Angelique Powers, Props Design Amy Reddy, Production Photographer Caroline Yang with additional photos by Chelsea M. Warren
*see ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS & REVIEWS/FEATURES below
OVERVIEW: The design is of a kitchen overlooking the backyard in an upscale Twin Cities home. At the top of the script, the playwright references the photograph collection The Kitchen Series by Carrie Mae Weems. Throughout the first act there are earth quake tremors and time overlaps. The lead character Lena is recovering from a late stage miscarriage with the help of her community of black women, including her mother, sister, best friend, neighbor and church lady. By the end of the first act, the earth quake arrives with a ceiling crashing in with entrails and the room cracking open. The second act begins with all the women gathered in the aftermath eating casseroles. Design choices include a realistic posh kitchen in a neutral state, enabling the women to be the focus with a vibrant backyard painted drop. Lighting practicals hang throughout the space as flickering lights during quake tremors. The play shines a light on the disproportionate number of adverse outcome pregnancies of black women in the America today.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS
REVIEWS/FEATURES
Cherry in Spoon: October 16, 2022: "Weathering" at Penumbra Theatre: “The chic kitchen set feels real and functional, with a large center island, trendy light fixtures, stocked refrigerator and cupboards, and real food that the actors really eat (pickles and Cool Whip?! No). Stairs ascend to the unseen upstairs, and large windows and a sliding glass door look out on the backyard (scenic design by Chelsea Masteller Warren).“
Talking Broadway: Weathering Penumbra Theatre Review by Arthur Dorman: “Lena has retreated from the world, isolated in her spacious, updated kitchen (teal and pewter, large island counter, recessed lighting, stainless fridge–superb work from set designer Chelsea Masteller Warren) with occasional night forays into the backyard to stare helplessly at the stars.”