The zoo story

By Edward Albee

Design Paper-Project by: Lily Jefferson

PROJECT SUMMARY

For an Advanced Design class, I created a scenic model for The Zoo Story using only two objects that represented the play’s themes.

Drawn to the play's themes of confinement, impermanence, and memory, I selected these two objects to explore scenically:

SHOEBOX

I originally picked this object for it's rectangular and confined shape, finding similairities to Central Park's layout, where the play takes place
Shoeboxes are commonly used to store photographs and memorabilia, symbolically reflecting the past and exposed inner emotions
Shoeboxes are temporary & fragile, much like Jerry's state of being

FIRE-ESCAPE LADDER

A literal and symbolic escape but also an iconic symbol for New York City
Represents a social ladder: steps symbolize status and difficulty of moving up
Built for structure and safety much like how Peter views society

DESIGN STATEMENT OF DRAMATIC ACTION

The Zoo Story by Edward Albee is a short play about societal order confining individuals in isolation, leading them to desperate and extreme acts of escape.

LIGHTING PERSPECTIVE

Although this was a scenic design project, I visualized the lighting first, wanting to explore how light and shadow could convey confinement. I sketched to capture the lighting I was envisioning (see below), and those ideas ultimately influnced my scenic design.

SKETCHES & EARLY IDEAS

When I was first researching New York City and visualizing the play, I was drawn to the shadows made by fire escape stairs and I wanted to explore ways to make them look like jail bars. I wanted light to represent something powerful and emotional.

INSPIRATION RESEARCH

My original design enclosed the audience inside the shoebox, with harsh overhead light suggesting the box opening above them. During the model-building process, I found the idea limited the visual storytelling, leading me to develop translucent walls that could evolve with Jerry's memories and emotions.

DRAFTING

Hand-drafted, 1/4" scale

FINISHED SCENIC MODEL

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