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“I really couldn’t see the play with any other design.”įor Farrell, that meant adapting the 2009 version of MacDonald’s set-which was originally designed for the 1989 production at Vancouver’s Arts Club Theatre, before needing a few modifications for a 20th anniversary mounting at Theatre Calgary-into one cohesive construction that works with the Bishop’s entirely different stage shape. “Ken MacDonald’s original set-inspired by the fabulous art of René Magritte-is iconic and adds an important layer to the meaning of the play, with the surreal elements of Magritte’s work perfectly underscoring Panych’s existential themes,” says Gebhard. Given that the play is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary, director and theatre professor Fran Gebhard wanted to see the original set design brought back to life for her production in Phoenix’s Bishop Theatre. Running March 14–23, Phoenix Theatre is presenting 7 Stories by Canadian playwright Morris Panych as the final production of their mainstage season. So what happens when a director asks, rather than creating a set from scratch, to simply adapt a design that’s 30 years old? The short answer, as student designer Conor Farrell discovered, is that there’s nothing simple about it. From a bare wood floor to a drab apartment that slides open to reveal a musical fantasy land, the set is the canvas upon which the actors come to life.

Student designer reconstructs a storied legacy for latest Phoenix productionĮvery play needs a set, whether the audience realizes it or not.