Scenography

Established in 1994 the Scenography Working Group focuses upon the history, theory, aesthetics and practice of scenography - design for and as performance. The group represents the leading international forum for the sharing of research in this discipline.

The Scenography Working Group's research focuses upon the history, theory, aesthetics and practice of scenography through a specific program of meetings, presentations and publication. The group meets annually at every IFTR World Congress and also holds interim events e.g. during the Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space every four years.

The Scenography Working Group aims to nurture and develop new contributions to practice-led research by providing opportunities for scenographers and designers to discuss their work and exchange ideas in an international academic forum. Our research investigates scenographic elements, (including: costume, setting, make-up, sound design, lighting design, masks, puppets and objects) and considers their proxemic relationship to performers and audiences in traditional and non-traditional spaces. Such research considers both contemporary practice and the influences of scenography on theatrical form and the audience experience of performance. By offering opportunities to share and discuss members’ research in a variety of formats, we aim to promote aesthetic, theoretical and philosophical investigations that are both distinct from and inclusive of technological developments for performance.

The Scenography Working Group welcomes early career researchers and postgraduate scholars (either as presenters or observer/participants) although they may also wish to contribute to the IFTR New Scholars programme at each annual World Congress. IFTR rules prevent individuals from presenting more than one paper during the conference.

Featured Image is from The Weather Machine (2015) courtesy of David Shearing http://www.davidshearing.com/

The Scenography Working Group's convenors are

Dr Nick Hunt nick.hunt (at) bruford.ac.uk (Rose Bruford College, UK)

Dr Sofia Pantouvaki sofia.pantouvaki (at) aalto.fi (Aalto University, Finland)

and supported by

Dr Scott Palmer s.d.palmer (at) leeds.ac.uk (University of Leeds, UK)