Shakespearefest performance: Seasonal dichotomy

One thing that I really enjoyed about the performance of The Winter's Tale we saw was the seasonal dichotomy represented in the set. The first half of the play used panels that looked like frost-covered windows that gave the impression of being inside on a chilly day. That, coupled with the conservative, dull, colorless attire of the characters--multiple layered suits with jackets that made me feel like I was watching an old black and white film--gave the impression of both physical and emotional coldness. 

Once we departed from drab Sicilia to rustic Bohemia, the panels lifted to reveal an onstage forest that was previously hidden behind the opaque glass windows, starkly contrasting the sterility that the panels imposed. Then, once we began the second half of the play, the forest was covered with flowers hanging from the ceiling and green grass was laid down on the stage to accentuate the difference. Compared to the first half with space limited by panels which kept the back half of the stage out of view, everything was so open and free. The costumes, unlike at the beginning of the play, were very light, playful, and colorful, and many of the characters were in short-sleeves. 

Then when we returned to Bohemia, everything became dark and drab again, all in muted, winter colors except for Perdita and Hermione, who are in lovely light colors throughout the play. Then the group ended the play with the powerful image of Leontes, standing in front of the forest, between two panels, with snow falling behind him. That was my favorite part of the whole play simply because of the way that it really played off of the dichotomy of the seasons, illustrating one of the most overt themes in the whole play.