No idea is too ambitious for Rachel Hauck, the acclaimed set designer nominated for a Tony Award for her work on the Broadway musical “Swept Away.” Last year, audiences were mesmerized by Hauck’s astonishing creation — a full-scale re-enactment of a shipwreck that serves as a pivotal moment in the performance. This remarkable scene unravels as the whaler capsizes on stage, unveiling a delicate wooden lifeboat where the remainder of the story unfolds.
Hauck, who emotionally recalls witnessing the shipwreck during rehearsals at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, shared, “It was the emotional journey of it all.” The 64-year-old set designer's work straddles the intersection of space, physical objects, and powerful emotions, creating immersive experiences that resonate with audiences. Her design was so integral to the show that it’s hard to envision “Swept Away” without it; the original script only noted that a boat sinks.
Director Michael Mayer emphasized Hauck's genius, stating, “Rachel had this ingenious and beautiful idea of how to do the shipwreck.” Her visionary approach stands out in a predominantly male-dominated field, earning her recognition as one of Broadway's most innovative set designers—challenging expectations and inspiring fellow artists with every meticulously crafted scene.
