Persuasion
Persuasion
Theater Emory
Written and Directed by John Ammerman
Scenic Design by Leslie Taylor
This stage adaptation of the Jane Austen novel portrays love and society in nineteenth-century England. Because of the many locations called for in the story, the lighting, combined with projections, served to differentiate each of these places through the use of color and gobos. Angles were also extremely important so that the projections would not be washed out with stage lighting while keeping the actor’s well lit.
The play opens with a dance at a ball that the Elliot’s are hosting. The lighting shows the location at Kellynch Hall and also serves to accentuate the beauty and pleasure of the moment before the Elliots’ financial reality is brought to light.
As Anne delivers her monologue, the commentaries of Lady Russell, Sir Walter and Elizabeth are heard as they appear upstage and in her memories. The are highlighted as they appear and begin speaking.
Anne comforts her sister, Mary, in her cottage at Uppercross. The amber lighting at Uppercross cottage serves to accent the comfortable and humble environment there.
The Musgroves gather to welcome Admiral and Mrs. Croft at Uppercross Great House. The warmer color palette and distinct window gobos differentiate this home from Kellynch Hall.
Anne joins Admiral and Mrs. Croft in their carriage. The set is transformed into an outdoor landscape through a collaboration between lighting and projection.
Vibrant color transforms the space into the more modest home that the Elliot’s have adopted at Camden Place in Bath.
William Elliot contrives a plan with Mrs. Clay when they meet on the cobblestone-lined streets of the Bath market.
Finally, Anne and Captain Wentworth join in a long embrace at the end of the play. They are highlighted in an isolated pool of light that develops from a cool blue to a warm rose while snow falls from above.