Inspiration
See How They Run is a fast-paced, comedic play, and I aimed to capture its lively and exaggerated tone through the aesthetic of a “tacky velvet painting.” This approach embraces bold textures and theatrical flair to reflect the play’s dynamic energy. The architectural style is rooted in Georgian design, while the color palette draws inspiration from the British flag, reinforcing both the setting and cultural context.
Sketches
These initial sketches include early floor plans in the top left corner, accompanied by a perspective drawing to represent the audience’s point of view. I experimented with the placement of key elements such as the staircase and carpet to explore visual balance and spatial flow. Given the significant action that takes place in the backyard in the original play, I emphasized incorporating a layered set with foreground and mid-ground elements that suggest a backyard environment, enhancing the depth and realism of the scene.
White Model
In this white model, I hand-drafted key set pieces and select furniture elements as templates for later recreation in clay. The model served as a valuable tool for visualizing spatial relationships and refining the placement of each component within the set.
Final Box
The final box features velvet-textured walls painted in a vibrant blue, creating a bold visual backdrop. A deliberately slanted picture frame introduces a sense of discord, reflecting thematic tensions within the play. White detailing throughout the space subtly references the British flag, working in harmony with the red-toned furniture and flooring to reinforce national symbolism. The flooring, uneven and extending past the proscenium, gently breaks the fourth wall, drawing the set closer to the audience without an abrupt transition. The intentionally bare walls reflect the ascetic lifestyle of a priest, emphasizing detachment from material possessions.
