06/07 season

by martin mcdonagh
directed by les waters
thrust stage
january 12–march 11, 2007

scenic design by antje ellerman
photos by lisa lázár

hear les waters talk about the set (5MB mp3)

behind the scenes

This model of The Pillowman set is less than one foot tall, but is drawn perfectly to scale. Scenic designer Antje Ellerman and director Les Waters were intrigued by the idea that the set was hiding its own stories, just as the characters are—which is why they situated the show (which takes place in a set of interrogation rooms) within the shell of a once-grand building.

For The Pillowman, the scenic artists are charged with taking newly created scenery and making it look old and decrepit. Here, scenic intern Erin Wilson (left) and Christina Barretti-Sigal paint and distress a set wall.

Here is a close-up of the wall moulding. Scenic artists have added molding paste to the detailing, making the wall piece appear grimed with years of dirt. An additional layer of paint helps add dimension and verisimilitude. However, the process is not yet complete.

press photos

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