Behind the Scenes
The World of Primary Trust
On stage through November 24, 2024, Primary Trust is about a man named Kenneth who lives in the fictional town of Cranberry in Upstate New York. As director Kaytlin McIntyre and scenic designer An-lin Dauber considered how to portray that setting on stage, they decided to approach it specifically through Kenneth's point of view. The only places represented in Cranberry are places that mean something to Kenneth. We see only what he sees and cares about.
Dauber and McIntyre found inspiration for the set in photos of small northeastern towns, in postcards—images of cities pared back to just their most prominent locations—and in the gorgeous, textured collage work of artists like Romare Bearden and Andy Burgess. Bearden's The Block (1971) depicts a minutely detailed, panoramic portrait of a block in Harlem, New York City, while Burgess's Tucson series (2023) offers a more abstract rendering of that city's skyline, filled with buildings and signage.
Dauber drew on each of these influences to create a scenic design that evokes the intimacy of a small town through a lens of humor and pathos, reflecting how Kenneth feels about each of these destinations.
The play begins with Kenneth alone on stage, introducing the audience to his hometown.
The action moves to Wally's Tiki, Kenneth's favorite place in the world (and prime after-work hangout spot).
Then on to Yellowed Pages, where Kenneth has worked the past 20 years, and where his life is about to change dramatically.
As Kenneth's world expands, we begin to see his changing point of view represented in new details in the scenic design.
As Kenneth makes new friends and steps outside his comfort zone, new locations open up to him and appear along Cranberry's skyline.
And here is the final scenic design, from page to stage!
Stephen Tyrone Williams as Kenneth in Primary Trust at Seattle Rep (2024). Photo by Bronwen Houck.
Don't miss Kenneth's journey on stage and your chance to get to know the world of Cranberry. Get your tickets to Primary Trust, on stage through November 24, 2024.
All renderings and scenic design by An-lin Dauber, 2024.