Course Description
Summary
In her book What is Scenography?, Pamela Howard states: “Scenography is the seamless synthesis of space, text, research, art, actors, directors and spectators that contributes to an original creation.” While the term “scenography” was regarded for centuries as synonymous with “theater design,” Howard’s definition does not mention theater or a stage, and other artists and theorists now address the scenographic qualities or aspects of various spaces and events, many of which are unrelated to theater. In this course, we will explore how these concepts, originally deeply rooted in theatrical practice, have evolved into a considerably broader paradigm. We will consider how the concerns of scenography, such as dramaturgy, spatial composition and focus, and most essentially visual storytelling, can inform the making or viewing of work beyond the boundaries of theater spaces, in situations ranging from public art and spectacle to politics.
