SETTING AND MUSIC

The action of the poem takes place in a single room – a “chamber” – making it ideal for a one-act ballet. I wanted the room and the costumes to evoke a “Masterpiece Theatre” style set, transporting the audience back to Poe’s time. The props are simple: a chair, a book, a window with a curtain, a bust of Pallas, and the famous purple curtain. In a full production, lighting design would add great depth – accentuating the black and white tones, adding another layer of mystery and suspense to the action.

Music is the heart of every choreography; setting the mood, describing and invoking emotions, creating tension and providing resolution. I was lucky enough to find Eliot Goldenthal’s striking “Interview with the Vampire” soundtrack, which works perfectly with my choreography, adding great depth to the action on stage. The intense moods that he is able to create, and the emotional contrasts in his work are truly extraordinary. I am very proud of the way the music and the choreography work together.