Marisol by José Rivera
Theoretical Design Project for Theatre Fundamentals
Fall Semester 2024
Otterbein University
Driving Design Element
the sun and solar themes
Translation/Origins of “Marisol”
“sunny sea” or “the sea and sun.”
In Context with Other Characters
Marisol and June are the most interesting pair.
I began to think of them as the sun and sea.
Marisol the Sun
constant, bright and warm.
June as the Sea
unruly, ever-changing, sometimes violent
Other imagery included rebirth and progress, incorporating butterflies and their colors.
The Sea of June
As the counter to Marisol’s sun, June’s clothing is blue like the sea to provide a stark visual contrast between the characters.
Act II Transformation
I also wanted June’s appearance to change dramatically between Act I and Act II.
While a rendering is not included, June’s later appearance as a ‘Skinhead’ would showcase the drastic shift away from her true self, working in a more aggressive black and red color palette.
Lenny, Sporadic Artist
A complex, and at times confusing character. often presenting himself one way and then reacting atypically
I imagined his first appearance onstage, as if he was pulled from his work by June,throwing on whatever clothes were hanging by the door. He’s a jumble of colors and items.
The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
Initially, Lenny appears unassuming but his character evolves to something more calculating. While not literally a sheep's skin hat, I included an animal motif
Practical Considerations
I also had to think about the practical element of rigging a pregnancy belly under his existing costume.
Angel Business: Suits, Ties, Button-ups
Referencing popular depictions from “Good Omens” and “Miracle Workers,” I imagined the angels appearing professional on the job reporting to God.
Urban Warrior
Once the war began, the angels would have kept their suits but the garments would become tattered and affected by combat. Repairs would be visible and rough. Here I incorporated punk motifs as an indication of rebellion from a corrupt overlord.
Detached Wings
I imagined God revoking the wings in anger leaving the angels to pin/stitch them back on in defiance.
Androgynous Look
Audience to think of the angels as entities without concerns of gender.
How would someone realistically go about protecting their body, if their skin was missing?
I did my best to think of the most practical way one would cover as much “skin surface” as possible.
I found myself also thinking about what his life was like before the rebellion.
Who was Scar Tissue before?
Farmer? Army Man? Pilot?