On the design of the set design of the mousetrap
The Mousetrap is a classic suspense plot play. The place, in this case the boarding room of Monkswell Manor, is accurately described in Agatha Christie’s script. It is impossible to create mystery on stage without precise architecture of the space. The tension can be maintained by following the placement of doors, electrical switches, furniture and windows given in the script. The positions of these elements on the stage create a large part of the rhythm of the performance and the actors’ trajectories. Creating a space for a suspense play, as well as for a farce, is mathematics; how long it takes for the actor to move from point A to point B so that the mystery is not revealed and the situations follow each other naturally and the viewer stays in the grip of the suspense play.
The Arena stage is a great place for a play in an epoch. The space is intimate and has a patina created by time, which is repeated on stage by the set design. In the set design of Mousetrap , I have been able to use furniture from the theatre’s storage that has already been on stage several times. Now together they form an unprecedented composition. The materials of the set also include fabrics found in the warehouses, with which the walls have been covered, as well as recycled elements from my previous sets with resurfaces. Together, the found objects create something new.
With the help of colours, a warm and cosy atmosphere has been created in the set design, which instantly turns chilling in Petteri Heiskanen’s skilfully designed lights. Snow is falling outside, blocking the roads surrounding Monkswell Manor, and an icy wind howls on the moors, which, along with all the other wonderful sound design heard in the play, is created by Eradj Nazimov . The warmth of the home, the crackling of the fireplace and then something completely different; Even in the stands, you can’t be sure through which door the murderer appears. An exciting viewing experience!