Stage Design (Paperback)

The author Tony Davis, whose other work includes directing for the theatre, lecturing, and organising large-scale outdoor events, has created a book which should attract designers, architects and students as well as appealing to theatregoers in general. The format and layout, designed by Lippa Pearce, is visually enticing and makes each page a pleasure to read. The real triumph of the book is that the reader can study it for hours in meticulous detail or casually browse through the pages for a few minutes. Either way it proves a rewarding and satisfying experience.

The intention of the Theatre Designer is to give the spectator an experience, and in this book we are given an insight into the creative processes behind this. Scenographer, Designer, we were even once called 'Decorators', however Tony Davis' book StageDesign demonstrates that there is more to designing for performance than meets the eye. StageDesign defines the intellectual, physical and emotional approach of each of the twelve stage designers in realising their visions, revealing the hard work from the research through to realisation.

We are shown how William Dudley's use of the computer in the design progression opens up new possibilities. As demonstrated in his renderings of "The Dance of the Vampires-, the exploration of the computer as an art tool can provide exciting assistance in the design studio. Dudley's descriptions of using the graphics tablet is just as inspiring and encouraging as taking a pencil to paper.

Guy-Claude Francois and his method with "L'Age d'Or" is just as innovative. Within his modelbox, filled with sand, he sculpts with his hands to create his set and then later translates this technique by learning to drive a bulldozer for the realisation. Here the journey of play from the modelbox into reality is distinctive with its childlike inventiveness growing into its final creative shape.

Similarly Gunther Schneider-Siemssen's desire to paint with projections and light, together with his interest in investigating the physics of 3D lighting projection and holography takes the role of the designer beyond its immediate boundaries. Here Schneider-Siemssen demonstrates that the position of the designer becomes a combination of various roles; from being an artist to even a scientist.

The production photographs are remarkable. The quality and variety of the visual material coupled with the detailed research gives the reader a comprehensive view of the complete design process, from conception to realisation. This is particularly true of Maria Bjornson's design for Verdi's "Macbeth", which captivates the mood with delicious colour and form. We find Bjornson's inspiration for her designs from a variety of sources: The painting of 'Despair' by Edvard Munch for "Katya Kabanova"; a great square like in Mecca for Verdi's "Macbeth"; and research material from Jan Vrederman de Vries for "The Marriage of Figaro".

StageDesign establishes just how each production is irreplaceable. The journey of design can never be replicated. What all these scenographers have in common is that the process, the contribution and the relationships are elements that make any production a success. What is evident from this book is how scenographers are the creators of visions. It gives the opportunity of escapism and to enter the world of make-believe, as George Tsypin states "Designing for the stage is an excuse for escaping into your own dream world". Then perhaps as scenographers we are dream-makers; well at the very least - dreamers.

In return for a small price, StageDesign is a rare gem, a joy to read and inspiration for all.