In a parallel development, Winston is coming to terms with his own feelings of abandonment, when John finds out he is soon to be released. Costumes by Tara Maginnis serve diverse purposes, the prisoners use them as props, to cover their psychic nakedness, and later as the costumes of Antigone and King Creon when Winston and John perform the Greek tragedy as the play's finale. The set has every feel of a lightless and dank prison cell. Designed by visiting artist Timaree McCormick, incorporating the desperation and hopelessness into a very effective stage. Lighting designer Kade Mendelowitz makes the lights seem alive and menacing during traumatic scenes, softening the colors tenderly during touching moments.
Sounds help to create the full environment one feels watching The Island.
Drums, sirens, voices, and the unmistakable sound of keys on bars, make the prisoners existence come alive. Sound designer Alex Hurlbut, and Rafaela Stacheter fill out the production team. South African playwright Athol Fugard developed by Winston Ntshona. This is a moving and uplifting drama about maintaining humanity in spite of social injustice and inhumane treatment. It is the first production by UAF Salisbury Theater this season.