Northwestern University
Director: Erin Ortman
Lighting Design: Seojung Jang
Costume Design: Lia Wallfish
Sound Design: Brandon Reed
Projection Design: Dwight Bellisimo
Working is an exploration of the urban industrial setting. It symbolizes the essence of the American workforce and the ever-changing, multifaceted nature of work. Our aim was to create a theatrical experience that is not only visually captivating but emotionally resonant, bringing the stories of the characters to life in a powerful and authentic way.
The design pulls the audience into a the gritty, lively, and ever-changing world of the American workforce. We chose to embrace the dynamic aesthetic of scaffolding to evoke a raw, industrial feel.
Scaffolding is the literal backbone of construction projects, a symbol of progress and transformation. In Working, it symbolizes the journey of the characters and their ongoing pursuit of their American Dream. The scaffolding structure has an upper level, creating a layered environment that reflects the complex interplay of different jobs and lives; each character's story is a vital component of the larger whole.
Construction fabric screens, integrated into the scaffolding, serve as dynamic canvases for storytelling. These screens display the characters' work experiences through projected images and videos. These projections provide a window into the lives of real people, offering glimpses of their daily routines and the emotional impact of their jobs.
This set design aims to draw the audience into the heart of the characters' experiences, inviting them to see the world through the characters' eyes. By surrounding the performers with scaffolding, the audience will feel intimately connected to the unfolding stories, further emphasizing the relatability of the characters and their struggles.