Ravi Rakkulchon ’15 designed the set for the opera “Little Women”, composed by Mark Adamo and currently in performance in Dillingham Center. Rakkulchon is a B.F.A. theatrical production arts major with a design concentration, originally from Bangkok, Thailand.
His set design, as pictured here, features a wooden platform with stairs, French doors filled with glass, wooden flooring, and a painted scrim. The painted scrim features the words of Louisa May Alcott’s preface to her classic American novel, behind which the orchestra is visible to the audience. This particular fixture of the set is of note because it is the first time that a painted scrim has been incorporated into a set design at Ithaca College. Rakkulchon chose to use a scrim because of the ethereal and iridescent nature of the opera, which relies heavily on memories.
The novel “Little Women” holds a deep personal connection for Rakkulchon. This was the first book he read in English while learning the language at an American school in Thailand. Rakkulchon loves the theme of family that runs throughout the novel-turned-opera, especially the father’s love of family.
Rakkulchon enjoyed working on the opera for many reasons. It is quite different from working on a play or musical because music supersedes the importance of words or lyrics. He does note, however, that composer Adamo wrote the lyrics before the music, and his interpretation of the novel comes through very clearly to audience members. The set designer hopes that audiences leave the production valuing the importance of embracing change and moving forward in life.
Performances of “Little Women” will run in the Clark Theatre in Dillingham Center on Feb. 17, 19, 20, 23, 25, 26 and 28 at 8 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Feb. 22.
Ticket prices for “Little Women” range from $8 to $16. Tickets can be purchased online at ithaca.ticketforce.com and through the Ithaca College box office located in Dillingham Center. The box office is open Monday through Thursday from noon-5 p.m. and Friday noon-4 p.m. Tickets may be reserved at the box office by calling (607) 274-3224.
Dillingham Center accommodates all patrons. Individuals with special needs are asked to contact (607) 274-3224 to request accommodations as soon as possible.
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20150217114455775