Theatre Design & Technology - Summer 2022 - 11

and labels match the average color of
each material.)
Comparing Options
To weigh the pros and cons of using natural
landscaping materials vs. other possible
solutions, this study examined three
options, based on the cancelled Ohio
State production, which called for 420
square feet of dirt and imagines a depth
of .75 inches, when applicable.
The first option is based on Brigitte
Bechtel's excellent faux dirt technique
created for a production of Native
Gardens by Karen Zacarías, set design
by Carey Wong (Powers 2019). Among
the benefits of this solution are that it
can be created with conventional tools
and materials, can be easily rolled up
to travel, requires no real maintenance,
and creates a stylized authenticity that
looks
great and remains
consistent.
Unfortunately, this option is not viable
for a production that requires performers
to interact with dirt in more tactile ways.
Otherwise, the main downsides are its
relatively high cost and the fact that all
the materials, including paint, carpet and
elastomeric, end up in a dumpster.
The second option enlists rubber
Surrounded by 280 square feet of peat, Acacia Duncan performs in HUM by Sebastian Orr, directed by Eleni
Papaleonardos and produced by Available Light Theatre. Scenery and lighting by Brad Steinmetz, costumes by
Tatjana Longerot, sound by Dave Wallingford. | Photos courtesy of Brad Steinmetz.
ingredients of landscaping materials
are rarely disclosed.
Both types of dyed mulch also register
high levels of particulate matter.
Interestingly, dyed mulch often contains
recycled pallet or construction
wood due to their greater ability to
absorb dye. In this case, Dyed Mulch
1 is labeled as containing hardwood
bark, while Dyed Mulch 2 includes
no information on material sourcing.
Surprisingly, both types of peat register
very low levels of airborne particulates
despite being comprised of relatively
small, lightweight material.
Additional data was collected on price
and weight per cubic foot, as well as on
moisture levels out of the bag. For the
latter, the 40 cubic inch trays of material
were each weighed before and after baking
to calculate moisture as a percent by
weight. (See the chart on page 12 that
compiles four main data points where
lower numbers are generally preferable
mulch, a material normally created from
recycled tires and available in a variety
of colors and sizes. This solution is less
costly than the detailed paint/texture
treatment and quicker to create, though
it would likely be slower to strike and
travel. It may require additional tools to
manage and load. Feedback from theatre
practitioners who have used this material
suggests it is easy to use and does
not create airborne particles, but it does
produce a subtle but distinct smell and
leaves residue on hands as it is loaded or
heavily worked. Although it may be possible
for rubber mulch to find a new life
after a production, many horticulturalists
avoid using it because it leeches toxic
substances as it degrades.
The third solution is an even mix of
Topsoil 1 and Peat Moss 2, the cheapest
of the three options and most authentic
in terms of appearance and interaction.
It is also the greenest solution and can
avoid landfills altogether when it is donated
or transferred to a municipal yard
waste facility. One downside of these materials
is management, which would likely
require additional tools for loading and
regular maintenance to restore desired
SUMMER 2022 | THEATRE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY | 11

Theatre Design & Technology - Summer 2022

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