Those who passed by Mondavi Center in late October were likely prone to double-takes as they saw a "tree" jutting from the building's north facade into the Studio Theatre. The prop was used in "The Desire to Return to the Safety of Day," choreographed by associate professor of theatre and dance Della Davidson and performed by Sideshow Physical Theatre, a residential company of graduate students. The show explores how people deal with sorrow and despair. A highlight was the surprise entrance of the realistic-looking prop through the window. "That tree was so incredible," said Erie Vitiello, who worked on the show. "It extended the stage space out to the natural world." About 760 people attended the show during its two-week run.