Unity Statement and Defense for Icarus's Mother

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.