design

Drew Speese (stage and lighting design) //The Death of Trotsky//

1. The relationship is rather personal, as Trotsky dies he gives several dramatic monologues directed at the audience.

2. Probably not, as the whole piece occurs in Trotsky's study the stage should somewhat seclude the characters from the audience.

3. The dramatic action occurs in the early 1900s during the Stalinist Revolution. This gives context as Trotsky speaks out against Stalin who then has him assassinated.

4. The action takes place in Mexico.

5. It is in the morning of the day of Trotsky's death.

6. Trotsky is shown to be of refined taste as he sits in his study, Mrs. Trotsky should appear as simple and caring in plain attire, and Ramon is young and out of place in the study.

7. The weather is sunny to help create a comic atmosphere.

8. Trotsky and his wife are well off most likely upper middle class, and Ramon is of the working class.

9. Trotsky is a retired revolutionist, his wife has no occupation, and Ramon is a gardener.

10. Trotsky is 60, his wife around the same age, and Ramon is in his late 20's to early 30's.

11. Trotsky is married to Mrs. Trotsky and Ramon is their gardener (employee).

12. Trotsky should be emphasized and the other two subordinated.

13. There should be one entrance/exit towards the back of the room.

14. There should be a big desk with books and papers stacked on it, a desk chair, bookshelves with books, table lamp, mountain climber's ax, another lamp in the corner, an encyclopedia, two extra chairs in front of the desk. All of the furniture reflect Trotsky as educated and refined but don't really reflect the other characters. The ax reveals Ramon's guilt and is the source of Trotsky's death at the end of each variation. The encyclopedia is brought in by Mrs. Trotsky who believes her husband is going to die and is worried.