A Persephone Pageant

I designed and fabricated scenic elements for Walkabout Theater Company's outdoor environmental spectacle "A Persephone Pageant," then documented the production across multiple performances. Directed by Jessica Thebus and Gabriel Thom Pasculli with pageant design and production by Tria Smith, the show reimagined the Greek myth of Persephone as a contemporary parable about climate change and Lake Michigan's ecology.

I photographed the show throughout its run at Chicago parks and special venues, capturing giant puppets, Walkabout's kinetic choreography, families watching the spectacle, and outdoor performances.

The production was presented free to families as part of Chicago Park District's Night Out in the Parks series, with performances at Walsh Park, Smith Park, and Rainbow Beach, plus benefit shows at University of Chicago's Logan Center and Ragdale Foundation.

Project partners: Walkabout Theater Company, Chicago Park District, Center for Humans and Nature, University of Chicago Performance Lab, Ragdale Foundation