Scenic Designer Robert Mark Morgan takes you backstage for a look at how he created the ever-changing world of Two Degrees for the DCPA Theatre Company.

Tira Palmquist’s world-premiere play introduces us to a scientist named Emma who is called to Washington to testify – reluctantly – before a congressional committee on proposed climate legislation.

Compounding her anxiety: It’s the one-year anniversary of her husband’s death. It’s meant to be a human story about both a woman and a planet in crisis.

The play takes place in 11 scenes in 10 locations in the Jones Theatre. “We tried to create an abstract space that was evocative and had an arc like Emma’s character that went from frozen to somewhat melting,’ Morgan said. The set includes 56 Plexiglass panels that are treated to look like ice – and six of them are actual ice that will melt throughout the show.

How did he do it? Watch and learn. Two Degrees, directed by Christy Montour-Larson, features Kathleen McCall, Robert Montano, Kim Staunton and Jason Delane Lee, and plays through March 12. 

Video by David Lenk for the DCPA NewsCenter.

Ticket information: Two Degrees
Emma, a climate change scientist, is invited to share her findings at a Senate hearing that could define her career and her cause. But if she can’t overcome her tumultuous inner struggle, her dedication and sacrifices may not be enough. Two Degrees was developed at the 2016 Colorado New Play Summit.
• Through March 12
• Jones Theatre
• ASL and Audio-Described matinee at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 5
• 303-893-4100 or BUY ONLINE

Previous NewsCenter coverage of Two Degrees:
Photos, video: Your first look at Two Degrees
Two Degrees: A telling exchange at public forum
Tira Palmquist on Two Degrees: Grief for a husband, and a planet
Two Degrees cast digs deep into Boulder ice-core research
Meet the cast: Kim Staunton
Two Degrees heats up conversation on global warming
Two Degrees: Five things we learned at first rehearsal
Colorado New Play Summit Spotlight: Tira Palmquist, Two Degrees
Video: Look back at 2016 Colorado New Play Summit
2016-17 season: Nine shows, two world premieres, return to classics