I recently had the pleasure of designing the lighting for
the CWRU/CPH MFA production of Twelfth
Night now running in the Helen Theatre at Play House Square. Having been involved with the program for
many years, I was thrilled to be asked back and a bit nervous to be part a new
team in a new space. What if we didn’t
click? What if my process drove them
crazy? After all, it has been over seven
years since I had designed for CPH. What
if they had forgotten how persnickety I can be (or, as a friend of mine termed
me as “a loveable canker sore” – Thanks, Ron!)?
As it turns out, my fears were all for naught. The team for this production connected
seamlessly out of the gate with the director’s vision to set the production in
the Mississippi Delta. The music, costumes,
sounds, and scenery all supported this vision (and the lighting isn’t too
shabby, either). A few familiar faces
along with new found friends and colleagues reminded me how wonderful a
creative, collaborative design and production process can be.
Having hailed from a previous regime of CPH, I am certainly
among many former staff members that had mixed emotions about the move
downtown. The history and sense of
community that surged through the old building was a major part of my Play
House memories. It was quite like visiting the folks after
they sell the house you grew up in to move into a new condo. The combination of new conveniences and
comfortable old favorites put you at ease.
The past is not gone or forgotten, just repurposed.
If you haven't visited the CWRU/CPH MFA program's new digs, you should. Twelfth Night is a great way to start. If you're a veteran supported, bravo - unless you haven't experienced this production of Twelfth Night yet, in which case, what are you waiting for? It runs through October 26th, and you can get tickets here. Enjoy the show! ~Maureen E. Patterson, Lead Designer Solus Lighting LTD
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