Unity Statement
To speculate in order to maintain stability by
means of frivolity and seriousness in a time of distress
Unity Defense
The statement
above reflects my point of view on what Icarus’s
Mother encompasses: seeking stability in a time of distress (a state of
danger or desperate need). All of the characters want to be stable (unchanged; not
subject to insecurity). They all speculate on different matters in order to
feel stable. For instance, they speculate on why the jet is flying above them. Even
when considering taking a walk, they speculate and worry about what will
happen.
Frivolity and
seriousness are ever-present when the characters are trying to maintain
stability. They first speculate why a jet is there and try communicating with
the pilot in a frivolous manner, hollering at him. Then, the characters start
teasing about wanting to walk to the beach. The serious aspects of trying to maintain
stability includes the monologues of Howard, Pat, and Frank. Howard describes
being in a plane cockpit, Pat describes her love for fireworks, and Frank
describes the fireworks and jet crash. On a frivolous note, the girls attempt
to pee on the beach as well as entertain the jet pilot. Bill and Howard’s smoke
signaling is also a point of frivolity.
Distress is an underlying
feeling in Icarus’s Mother. First, the
five characters seem to be in constant social distress with the taunting and
the separation. Furthermore, there is the sense of an impending disaster with
the jet crash, crowd sounds, and holding hands. I have chosen to implement the
sense of distress and uneasiness into the set design. Multiple levels and
slopes are incorporated to bring these feelings to life. They create opportunity
for dynamic movement as well. Also, the uniqueness of the blanket, grass, and
sand textures signify that something is not quite right in the play.
