In this theoretical design of Nilo Cruz's lyrical script A Bicycle Country, I looked at historical research of Cuba in the 90's during the Special Period. It was important to keep the characters grounded to the world so the other design elements could transform the world from Julio's home in Act One to the tumultuous ocean between Cuba and Florida in Act Two. Leaning into the gritty reality of surviving on a raft for 5 days gives a beautiful contrast to Ines's return as a ghost, capturing some of the magical realism the script lends itself to.