Shelf Life

Shelf Life was an exploration of what it means to be loved and to be real, through the eyes of the last toys on the shelf. My design for the production took a step away from a realistic world and surrounded itself instead around a more symbolic and surreal set piece. The characters explore the feeling of being forgotten and discarded, and how they view themselves without others showing them love, so a spilling box of toys and blankets is where they find themself. The blankets were secured but able to be interacted with if a character were to hide, and only the toys mid-fall were attached to it so the other could be moved as well. The puzzle piece floor, which I painted, was reminiscent of the foam puzzle floors found in early school and daycare, but also symbolizes the need for connection felt by the characters, the want to be important and part of something bigger. It was also a good device to collaborate with the lighting team on, as it was painted a very light blue, such that stronger colour changes could easily overpower and take over the stage when needed for effect.