Contemporary Catalan theatre play explores recovering from a sense of hopelessness, as well as the acknowledgement of loss that, when repressed, can result in being trapped in the past.
The set design represents precisely this sense of being trapped. It depicts a space of room or sala with a gynaecological bed covered in sand. The architectural design of the room itself already contains an element of cracking: a slanted platform on the floor and a broken and damaged ceiling. I have introduced coloured sand into these sharp edges of the crack, which lends softness to the space. The presence of sand is inspired by the Japanese garden Karesan-sui. This garden, known as a dried landscape, contains a spiritual aspect and is dedicated to meditation. The red sand has a symbolic function, with special wooden rakes being used to create marks on the sand expressing the different natural elements. The drawing on the sand also signifies the erasing of traces and the possibility of imprinting new fresh ones.
Empty places
Cast:
Dorota Androsz
Piotr Biedroń
Katarzyna Dałek
Sylwia Góra
Krzysztof Matuszewski
Marzena Nieczuja
Theatre company: Wybrzeże Teatr in Gdańsk
Month & year of production: February 2024
Set & light designer: Agata Skwarczyńska
Other Designers:
Director – Lena Frankiewicz
Music: Miłosz Pękala
Choreography – Anna Steller
Costume designer – Alicja Kamaj
Video: Mateusz Zieliński
Stage manager: Agnieszka Szczepaniak
Photo: Natalia Kabanow
