Scenography for "Book of Mormon: The Musical"

Abstract

I came from the Islamic republic of Iran where only one of everything has the power of speak (one religion, one political view, one educational system and etc.), I found myself in United States, land of freedom as I heard, a place to express oneself openly. It was here that I first heard of new religious movements, something that would have been denounced in my homeland. I have a close friend in religious studies who has talked with me about all the cults and stereotypes surrounding "fringe" religious movements such as Mormons, Freemasons or even Catholics. And then I read in the news about the opening of an outrageous musical on Broadway about Mormons. It was very bizarre and amazing at the same time. So I listened to the music and realized, "I love this." The South Park guys and the gentleman from Avenue Q have taken all the things that are unsayable and said them all. Passages of the book of Mormon are revealed during the play and they will lead one, by the end, to a better understanding of its absurdity. As is always true of the best satirist, they are merciless but never mean. I chose the play for my thesis cause I believe it is fresh, original and energetic and has given me the of opportunity to be creative all the while laughing at myself and the ridiculousness of so many things I had been taught to believe in.