Vena Cava - 'Gone To Earth' by Mary Webb

I have recently joined Vena Cava productions at QUT Kelvin Grove, as their Production Designer for 'Gone to Earth', by Mary Webb. Margi Brown-Ash is directing the play, which will open on the 7th August 2007 at the Woodward Theatre at QUT. I have included this in my journal of expanded field painting and installation, because in discussing the concept, Margi was very interested in creating an installation/immersive environment for the stage and set design. Projections and light have become important idea's and the work of Christian Boltanski has been considered.

Christian Boltanski, Monument:

The Children of Dijon, installation, Paris, Salpetriere Chapel, 1986

Christian Boltanski. Les Ombres (Shadows), 1986. Installation view. Electric fan, light bulb, mixed media

Margi has also considered my practice and the concept of 'mapping systems' which could be utilised as a way of 'mapping' some of the characters journeys throughout the play. For example, using paint or pigment for them to walk through and track their events on canvas on the floor or painting text (emotions/parts of the script) with brush and paint on to backdrop. It will be a very experiential production and many of the stage and set elements will be utilised by the characters/actors.

I will add more info and images as the time goes on and idea's further develop.