Manon Lescaut Preliminary Set Design Proposals
| Scheme 1 has one main set design piece: a steeply raked platform (that also acts like a wall or backdrop for the performance). We can project images (from the ceiling or the fly) onto the wall and the floor. The platform will be made of a system of panels with a series of hinged 'doors' so that for different scenes, parts of the platform can be removed or opened to create openings, doorways, cellar door, window, etc. Performers can also occupy the platform as a floor if desired (for fight scenes,etc). In conjunction with this, a few integral period set props wil be used. |
 Desert Scene |
 Louisiana |
 Marquis Salon |
 Manon's Garett |
| Scheme 2 uses a light-weight system of panels (light wood or steel frame covered with fabric) suspended from a simple set of tracks (typical bi-fold closet door tracks will work we suspect) that hang from the ceiling. The panels can slide onstage when needed and are stored in the wings. The walls can have images silkscreened onto them, or can act as luminous colored and lit backdrops for the action, are configured according to the needs of the scene, and will accomodate a variety of props. |
 Desert Scene |
 Manon's Garett |
 Marquis Salon |
| Scheme 3 uses a system of hung materials and fabrics that can be sewn together to create different textural and light qualities which frame each scene. The curtains can be increased or adjusted for each scene, to create boundaries or the feeling of enclosed or boundless spaces. When not needed, the curtains could slide to the side or roll up above the stage. |
 Manon's Garett |
 Marquis' Salon |
 Louisiana |
 Louisiana |
| Scheme 4 utilizes a light steel-frame structure (welded or bolted) incorporated with “pieces” of props (these can be found objects or period pieces that are modified in order to fit into the structure). This will create, for each scene, a “sculpture” that defines all the major elements of each scene. Other prop pieces will be waiting in the wings to be added to the master sculpture as the opera progresses. This will be complemented by the use of simple illumination and lighting as well as lighter props, such as chairs, a dress ,etc. |
 Manon's Garett |
 Marquis' Salon |