Creativity in the face of opulence

Some belated musings about the production of Giselle from last month. As previously mentioned, I was the lighting designer (and scenic artist) on this show. Every time I mount a new show on the Shea’s stage I am honored to have the opportunity. The theatre itself is absolutely breathtaking. Originally built in 1926, it is a marvel of the opulence of that time, showcasing an aesthetic based on 17th and 18th century design. It was a grand movie house in the heyday of silent films. The theatre fell into disrepair during the mid-20th century. Restoration during the last couple decades have brought it back to life. Every time I walk thru the stage door I think of all the artists of the past who have done the same. It is always a thrill to create in such a space.