Using the Fountain
As has been pointed out, there may be some sight-line issues involving action in the fountain - that is, rows beyond the first two won't be able to see what's going on. I'm hoping to mitigate this somewhat by raking the seating either by using the platforms that Liv used for Tis Pity, (have to ask Olivia where she got the platforms from) or to inquire with Conferences and Events about borrowing seats/platforms.
The other option is having the audience stand, but that's not exactly appealing.
I already know that I want to use the fountain to drown Desdemona in, but I'd like to make it a more active part of the rest of the production as well - have characters dip their feet in it, or use it as a barrier, or even get a drink from it (though I'm not sure how feasible that last is.) Maybe I could have Emilia push Iago in at some point?
It's been pointed out to me that perhaps the use of the fountain for drowning Desdemona would be more powerful if it wasn't used beforehand, more of a visual shock to the audience. While I agree, I don't want the audience to think we're ignoring the fountain - part of the concept of being outside is embracing the space Taft has given us, so I want the characters to acknowledge the fountain's presence. (Not necessarily as a fountain, though, but as a water-source, yes.)
I also have to ask if the fountain can be turned off for the duration of our performance so that there isn't the constant sound of trickling water in the background making everyone need to pee.
The other option is having the audience stand, but that's not exactly appealing.
I already know that I want to use the fountain to drown Desdemona in, but I'd like to make it a more active part of the rest of the production as well - have characters dip their feet in it, or use it as a barrier, or even get a drink from it (though I'm not sure how feasible that last is.) Maybe I could have Emilia push Iago in at some point?
It's been pointed out to me that perhaps the use of the fountain for drowning Desdemona would be more powerful if it wasn't used beforehand, more of a visual shock to the audience. While I agree, I don't want the audience to think we're ignoring the fountain - part of the concept of being outside is embracing the space Taft has given us, so I want the characters to acknowledge the fountain's presence. (Not necessarily as a fountain, though, but as a water-source, yes.)
I also have to ask if the fountain can be turned off for the duration of our performance so that there isn't the constant sound of trickling water in the background making everyone need to pee.