Patricia Helsel
South Pacific: Research and Production Concept
I began my research by reading James Michener's novel, Tales of the South Pacific. The book (and the play) rely heavily on the isolation created by the Solomon Islands, and the military invasion of these remote islands by the Japanese and Allied forces during World War II. Of course, the play covers only a small portion of Michener's story, focusing on the troubled romances created by the hardships of war and the crossing of cultures. I was drawn to the geography of the region, and wanted the production to capture the romance and mystery which are such a large part of the Oscar and Hammerstein portrayal.
Notes for the Design Team Regarding Geography:
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Excerpt of Notes on Characters from the novel:
