As the curtain rises, the setting resembles a blues scene themed around loneliness. It is the back of a farm in the Mississippi Delta, consisting of a ground floor and one upper floor, with walls gray like the sky.

On either side, reeds grow up to half the height of the house, rustling in the wind that moans. Along with these sounds, the low, persistent murmur of running water can be heard nearby.

The back wall of the house, aside from a door, is represented by a curtain that will be raised to reveal the interior of the house. A kitchen on the right, a curious 'sitting area' on the left, a narrow, dark corridor between them, a staircase leading to the upper floor, where a small landing is located, and to the right, a low-ceilinged bedroom with a slanted ceiling.

The left side of the upper floor is never used in the play and is always covered. This setting is quite challenging and requires the imagination of a very talented set designer.

Moments after the curtain rises, a car can be heard approaching and stopping somewhere nearby.