Cry Old Kingdom
“There were no other possibilities. And no one needed there to be.”
Cry Old Kingdom explores the options for people in a population that is under a dictatorship. Edwin, Judith, and Henri all have different approaches on how to cope with the oppressive nature of Duvalier’s regime. These ideas are still relevant today for many countries that are dictatorial and places where people do not feel supported by those in a position of power.
“Suffer, fight, or leave” are the three choices that are available for them. Each character plays out each of these ideas; Edwin makes no attempt to make a better life and therefore suffers, Judith wants change and is willing to risk her freedom for it, and Henri plans to leave to the United States in order to have more opportunity.
Spine and Research
A “spine” is a distillation of text that is meant to help highlight what lines and ideas that I found important while reading the play. Pulling lines and organizing into a structure helps me to clarify what I truly think the play is about.
Final Model
The spaces in which each of these characters reside are representative of each of their coping mechanisms. Edwin’s studio is an underground, dark space with an overwhelming sense of dread. The house that Judith and Edwin live in feels inviting and is in opposition to the rest of the dictatorial world. The beach is open and fresh and represents the idea of a new beginning and opportunity.
Draftings and Floor Elevation
Storyboards- Scenes I-XI
I worked through the play and noted all set and character changes and created color coded drawings to show how everything would transition in the show.