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THE WINTER'S TALE

Conceptual Design using

The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park's Marx Theatre

Directed by Rebekah Scallet

Scenic Design: DJ Pike

Lighting Design: Joshua Mullady

Costume Design: M. Hromek

Sound Design: Tate E. Thompson

Projection Design: Kaylin Gess

Photos by Kaylin Gess

Sicilia / Dark ThoughtsLee Pomeroy; David Michael
00:00 / 00:30
Bohemia / Bringing In The HarvestKaren Street
00:00 / 00:30
Autolycus & Live Music / Miller's TaleDavid O'Brien; Paul Clarvis
00:00 / 00:30

THE WINTER’S TALE follows the journey of Leontes, king of Sicilia, as he internally wrestles with jealousy of the male heart. 

 

Our world of THE WINTER’S TALE is inspired by Arthur Rackham’s fantasy illustrations, whose most notable works are pen and ink drawings that possess strong linework, texture, and muted palettes, and the colorful pastoral scenes of the Pre-Raphaelites. We connected the darkness and detail of Rackham’s work to Leontes’ suffering and jealousy and the vibrancy of the Pre-Raphaelites to Polixenes and Bohemia. By blending these two styles, we set the production within a realistic, but extraordinary, world. 

 

To support the ever-present serious tone of the production, I found themes which reflect Leontes’ internal conflicts. By emphasizing low strings and brass, Sicilia becomes isolating, cold, and heavy. Similar to Sicilia and Leontes, the Bear symbolizes the harsh bitterness of death. Contrarily, bears are also associated with nurturing and creativity. By emerging from its hibernation and consuming Antigonus, the Bear suggests a rebirth in the spring. The Bear indicates the melding of darkness and light. Once we move to Bohemia, the atmosphere becomes welcoming, warm, light, and full of life. To convey this contrast, I used high strings and woodwinds. Upon returning to Sicilia, the warmth and lightness of Bohemia slowly merges and eventually overwhelms the harshness Leontes has created. This leaves the ending hopeful and promising.

Winter's Tale Sicilia dirrty.png
Bohemia beach and hill.png
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