Current Research

Through my research I will contribute to theatre’s transition to sustainable design by improving the circularity of scenographic practices, specifically through innovative fabrication techniques that enable their use of materials employed in scenography. Since most materials used in stage design follow a similar standard worldwide, this research could provide a blueprint for a paradigm shift towards sustainable design that could have an immediate and practical impact on the theatre industry. In so doing, it would counter unsustainable practices of the theatre industry that contribute to climate change and are typical of the overconsumption and wastefulness of Global North societies.

During my master's studies, I identified obstacles to sustainable production in the theatre industry. The major obstacle is the absence of technical and physical resources for material circulation. For instance, primary set-making materials such as plywood, timber, plastic, styrofoam, and synthetic fibers are produced using environmentally unsustainable methods. Moreover, these materials are often permanently mixed in single-use industrial practices, resulting in a significant amount of waste instead of recyclable material.

The PhD project is practice-based research, which involves developing sustainable materials and fabrication techniques for scenography, using cross-cultural innovation and ecofabrication. This involves reimagining set-making techniques by incorporating traditional materials and craftsmanship from different regions. These sustainable materials will be applied in real performance settings. The theoretical analysis examines the aesthetics and environmental impact of these materials and methods, as well as their potential to influence the global theatre industry.

My previous work includes designing a performance set using recyclable paper tubes and incorporating Koboku, timber from old Japanese houses, into scenography. The research is grounded in the philosophies of new materialism and ecosenography, emphasising the role of materials in storytelling. Ultimately, the project advocates for a shift in scenography to consider not only the creative process but also the life cycle of materials, ensuring they return to nature in a sustainable manner.