Everybody
Pittsburgh Playhouse - December 2021
Director: Richard Keitel - Choreographer: Kelsey Robinson - Set: Emily Landis - Assoc. Set: Erin Steibel - Lighting: Annmarie Duggan - Assist. Lighting: Brent Swaltek - Sound: Howard Patterson
Everybody is a modern spin on Everyman and explores life, death, and how the two interweave.
We set the scene in a liminal space inspired by old cathedrals and weathered cemeteries with art nouveau influences. The cast of five somebodies had a “capsule wardrobe” of different ideas, but were tailored to fit the personalities of the actors.
Usher starts our story. Usher also becomes God and Understanding.
The character of Stuff took the most time to come up with the concept, and took the most coordination with other departments.
The general aesthetic of Stuff was inspired by embroidery artist Ninni Luhtasaari.
The mini version of Stuff was lovingly created by the Pittsburgh Playhouse props department, headed by Katie Mikula-Wineman and student props master Cedar Ranson.
Understanding, Death, and Time came to exist on the same plane of power and status.
The Somebodies and Love lived in the very neutral world of the set, thanks to close collaboration with set designer Emily Landis. Understanding, Death, and Time were a level above, standing out from the others in their all black looks.
“Maybe let’s just all be a little better about recycling. Also really really listening to each other, and maybe being less judgmental and more forgiving, but, also, owning up to our mistakes and being open to changing our own minds. Lead with our Understanding. You know: just being nice to each other. For once. And I’m talking about Everybody.”
— Everybody, Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins