Set Design and Scene Proposal

       There's nothing that happens inside in my adaptation. I wanted to highlight the Maori people's connection to the ocean and just to nature in general. I tried to keep the set minimalistic because a lot of my adaptation calls for digital projection, and even though this story is magical realism, I didn't want the effect to be ruined. The main set pieces- i.e. the meeting house and Koro's place- move to the sides so that they aren't in the way of any action that happens on the beach. The meeting house moves  to the black line shown in the picture during Koro's classes and Kahu's presentation. It should just be an archway, so everything is really outside, but the cultural piece will be a reminder of tradition. 
        Koro's house should just be the front of it. It's not actually anywhere that people can go. During the beginning scenes or whenever they need to be in the house, it moves to its labeled back line and the meeting house is pushed back. This story is so focused on the Maori people’s connection to nature, to their gods and, consequently, the ocean, that putting more action indoors restricts the conclusions the audience can draw about the very real kinship these people have with the water. Conflict between Nanny Flowers and Koro would take place on the front porch and he would stalk off stage. Nanny Flowers’ flower beds would be directly at the front of the porch. I think I would choose to focus on this area because it would serve to ground Nanny and Kahu’s relationship. They would have this tangible proof of their growth together that would serve to show that they have a lasting relationship. I think this is where I would have Nanny bury Kahu’s umbilical cord in the beginning of the play. I think it’s important to keep that scene in the adaptation to show that there is this tie between Kahu and the land.
        Digital projection is really important to show the connection to the whales. We can't see actual whales because that would be distracting, labor intensive, and kind of ridiculous. The lighting would be dark, but the ocean would be projected on the stage as well as the outlines of the whales. The score during this time would need to reflect the mood of the situation. It would be mysterious, but strong during the beginning, happy when Kahu visits the dolphin, and devastating, but triumphant when she heads with the whales into the sea. Someone would play Kahutia in the beginning but then when the show began and the lights came up they would first shine on only the Kahutia statue. When this projection occurs and they are "underwater" both the meeting house and Koro's place should be pushed at to leave room.  At all times, the focus should be on the beach, so the line is blurred between these people and their lives and the ocean and the whales.