In the days following the surrender of Robert E. Lee at Appomattox a newly freed slave loots abandoned homes in Richmond, Virginia. In the initial design process, it was decided that looted goods would appear “magically” during blackouts. These blackouts were to be as short as possible with a target time of 8 to 10 seconds. To necessitate this, the set was designed with three walls that would open up and pallets that would be pushed onto the stage. The pallets were designed to look like random assemblages of crates filled with looted goods. Because specific materials had to be included in the pallets for use during the course of the play, each pallet had to be designed around the objects it would contain.
The Whipping Man also contained an amputation scene, in which a Confederate soldier has his leg removed rendering him immobile for the remainder of the play. In order to facilitate this action a special chaise lounge was constructed with a hidden compartment for his leg.
