The Design of "A Number"

What was the inspiration for the haunting set design for A Number, the first PRC² production of the season? Costume and set designer Jan Chambers reveals that her design process began upon discovering the backstory actor Ray Dooley created for his character.

After learning that Dooley decided that his character's emotional problems arose from a traumatic experience in Vietnam, Chambers happened to encounter a painting that she said spoke to her of the character's "haunted stated of mind."

"The resemblance to Ray is uncanny, and the painting emotionally cemented his character for both of us," Chambers said. "The play, of course, takes place some 35-40 years after that moment, but his past and present state of mind definitely played a part in the design of the space - a small, confined, claustropobic world where something massive is slowly closing in."

Josh Barrett and Ray Dooley in A Number by Caryl Churchill.
(Photo by Andrea Akin.)

Chambers incorporated that tension into the space. She said of her design, "Skewing the angles of the room and pulling the space into the audience's lap further helped create a visceral environment that played as a counterpoint to the measured and suppressed dialogue of denial and avoidance."

A Number is now playing through Sunday, September 11. Click here for more details.

Announcing our 2011/2012 Season!

We're thrilled to announce our terrific 2011/2012 season! Watch the video below to see Producing Artistic Director Joseph Haj give an overview of each of next year's plays.



Mainstage Season:

In The Next Room
(or the vibrator play) 
by Sarah Ruhl
September 21 - October 9, 2011

The Parchman Hour
written and directed by Mike Wiley
October 26 - November 13, 2011

TBA
November 30 - December 18, 2011
An exciting production to be announced soon. Are you on our email list? That's the very best way to stay up to date on production announcements, special events, and discounts. Click Here to sign up!

The Making of a King
Henry IV & Henry V
by William Shakespeare
in rotating repertory
January 28 - March 4, 2012

Noises Off
by Michael Frayn
April 4 - 22, 2012

PRC² Season

A Number
by Caryl Churchill
September 7 - 11, 2011

TBA
January 11 - 15, 2012

Penelope
written and performed by Ellen McLaughlin
music composed by Sarah Kirkland Snider
April 25 - 29, 2012