"The set is a Georgian room in Derbyshire, England," set designer Joseph Gourley (graduate-scenic design) said. "The room has off-white and tan walls, and the focus is a Georgian window that leads out into the garden. The set functions as a warm and welcoming room, the angled ceiling invites the audience to come into the room."
Gourley said the style of 18th-century architect Robert Adams inspired him when designing the set.
The show's characters manipulate the set to achieve their wants by delivering dialogue that uses objects on the set as metaphors to hint toward sexual undertones that make up the characters' complex relationships.
"It is important to know that as the audience, it is not a cohesive comprehension of such theories that matter," cast member Erin Roberts said.
"In fact, it is the essence of human relationships, the joy and passion of the 'search,' and of course, sex and attraction that are sub-textual themes that prevail. I expect this show will be unlike anything people have ever experienced."
The play was written by Tom Stoppard, who is best known for his Oscar-winning movie, Shakespeare In Love, and directed by Richard Nichols, a professor in the School of Theatre.
"Arcadia is a piece that Dr. Nichols has wanted to do for sometime," Roberts said. "He has been extremely supportive of his actors -- trusting our instincts, backing up the work with just enough energy to keep us confident in our work, but always striving to keep our performances fresh and new -- which is not easy in a play as verbose as this one at times."
Roberts said audience members need to sit back, relax and enjoy the play, as it can be very wordy and complicated.
She also said the play is perfect for the university community because it focuses primarily on research.
Cast member Carmel Javaher also said audiences would like the play not only because of its scientific nature, but because of the relationships, which is the most essential aspect of any play.
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