The Minotaur
Illinois Theatre at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Sound Designer/Composer
Photos courtesy of Darrell Hoemann Photography
Director: Tom Mitchell
Fight Choreographer: Zev Steinrock
Scenic Designer: Emma St. John
Costume Designer: Samantha C. Jones
Lighting Designer: Naomie S. Winch
Catch the Wind by Donovan was a major theme throughout the play. This acoustic version plays as Ariadne holds one end of the ball of yarn as the other end unravels in front of Theseus, guiding him through the labyrinth. This track was created by editing a found MIDI track version of the song that used weird synths, and making it seem as if someone was playing it on a guitar. An added upright bass in the background give some more depth to the music.
Theseus has a dream where he is in the labyrinth. He is making choices on where to go, but to him it appears as though the labyrinth is actually guiding him and telling him where to go. He likens it to being on a rowboat in the moonlight following the tide. The simple melody is based off of the key and melody of Catch the Wind by Donovan.
The Minotaur starts to taunt and rile up Theseus, telling him that no one can escape from their predetermined story. Tension starts to fill the room and Theseus' head begins to fill with doubt, rage, and denial. With the Minotaur yelling at him, the Chorus pushing him on, and the emotions building, Theseus snaps and beheads the Minotaur, abruptly cutting off the music which leaves the space hanging in silence and snapped tension.