For this assignment, I and others were assigned to the set team, responsible for creating and ideating all the props and what each set would look like on performance night. The performance is called Fugee, it’s about a 14-year-old boy who comes from Cote D’Ivoire and seeks refuge in London. Throughout the performance, we see the protagonist, Kojo, struggle with relationships and the clinching memories he holds on to from home. While beginning to brainstorm ideas for props, the set was taking shape as we were fortunate to have a table, chairs, ladders, and bunk beds without spending a single dollar.
The bunk beds are coloured red and blue, contrasting colours, which is one of the main ideas in this performance, as everyone needs to adapt and contrast in the refuge. Red does represent strong emotions, strength and life. All these capabilities play an essential part in Kojo’s bloody past, a reference to the stabbing of the man and the gruesome events that occurred in Africa. Blue is represented by freedom, imagination and open spaces. All the children at the refuge are forced to adapt and find connections with each other even though, a language barrier separates them.
Another fantastic example of a prop idea is assault rifles. These particular assault rifles can be blended into the European wall representing all the problems first world countries have but ignored, and no one notices or seems to care. A straightforward idea like this will be looked over, but upon further inspection, it beholds a deeper meaning to it.
Kojo’s holdall bag is another important prop of this performance. Besides holding all his valuables inside it, it’s the last piece of home that he has, the only image he has of his family, the last thing that gives Kojo an identity. That explains why Kojo is so closed in and doubtful when giving his family photo to Ara because that was one of the last things he has.
Following on from the holdall bag, the knife Kojo carries around with him is one of the most symbolic objects he holds throughout the play. Kojo and his knife have experienced everything together. Even though it isn’t a person, Kojo still has a closeness and is slightly comforted by the knife’s presence. With the knife beside him, he knows that he has that sense of safety in a foreign land, and the same with the holdall bag, a reminder of his origins back in the Ivory Coast.
These are just a few of the massive amount of props we have in the stall for Fugee. As a set team, we worked collaboratively with each other and efficiently. With every object we listed, we always found a twist to add to it, making it different and providing it with a deeper meaning than just being a ladder. I am thankful and fortunate to be a part of this performance, working with such legendary people. I can not wait to see it.