Donald Eastman

Feature Biography: “BEHIND BLUE: DONALD EASTMAN’S DRAFTING TABLE” – Glimmerglass

Donald Eastman, the set designer for Jeanine Tesori and Tazewell Thompson’s Blue, brings a table full of history to the new work. While most of the set is minimalistic, each scene has one statement piece to add depth and character to the setting. Since The Son is an artist, Donald decided to add an antique drafting table to the design for The Son’s bedroom. When he was not able to find one of these drafting tables nearby, Donald donated his own to the production. He found this table 40 years ago at an oak furniture store called Wooden Nickel in Greenwich Village (now the location of Cowgirl, a Texas-themed restaurant.)

Many of Donald’s set designs started out as sketches from this drafting table, including his design for Fences. Fences was the first collaboration between Donald and Tazewell Thompson. At that time 30 years ago, Donald and Tazewell stood over that very table discussing ideas for their production. Two years ago, Donald worked on a production of Jeanine Tesori’s Fun Home at New York University, where he utilized the drafting table as a set piece, this time in the character of Alison’s room. Because this table connects Donald to both Tazewell and Jeanine, it adds a sentimental element to the world premiere of Tazewell and Jeanine’s first collaboration.