Still lives, the text which inspired the film brief encounters, is a play which on the surface could seem mundane. But when you look deeper the ever simmering emotional context of the piece gains significant gravity. 

The space itself was vast, somewhat cold and decaying. The constant background hum of passing trains adds to the immersive effect. I approached this design from the concept of deeply personal moments happening in public places and how that in itself can be stifling.  As a main motif, I played with light slowly growing and fading around specific areas of action; shifting focus onto intimate conversations that would otherwise be missed in the real world. I wanted to play with contracting the space to show intimacy and in turn, the limits of these relationships within the public space. 

Even though times have changed since when this play was written in the 1930's, there is still a resonance of the public vs the personal; what is overhead, what is acceptable in society.  The all female cast added a queer element as well which plays into this.  


Perhaps one of the most challenging yet interesting aspects of the show was the natural light which flooded the space.  The option was there to cover all the windows but I lent into seeing the outside world.  Controlling the light by choosing to cover or frost specific windows worked well and the performance lighting was there to add and enhance the natural light of the room as well as the build itself. 
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