NATALIE GIANNOPOULOS

A Conceptual World for The Writer.

My Role: Conceptual Stage Design, Costume Design, Light Design, Video Art

The Writer delves into a surreal world where a woman’s life and her art are indistinguishable. The play masterfully navigates the constant power struggle in a patriarchal world and within her intimate relationships, as well as within the theatre world.

My conceptual design creates a visually unsettling world where the boundaries of reality are fluid. I chose to use video glitch and warped projections as a primary tool to create a sense of unease and psychological tension. The design places the audience inside the writer’s mind, where fragmented memories and theatrical moments collide. The centerpiece is a turning stage with a shallow pool and video art, serving as a visual metaphor for her shifting identity, her „utopia“ and inner transformation. The space itself becomes a reflection of the protagonist’s fragile and resilient self.

The costume design is a living extension of the protagonist’s journey. Starting with a basic black outfit—a nod to the theatrical world she inhabits—it is gradually transformed by adding new elements to reflect her evolving life phases. The color palette for both the costume and the stage shifts from blue to red, signaling her psychological transformation. The „blue state“ represents her initial state, while the „red state“ signifies a more aggressive and self-assured identity. Within her utopia, a surreal battle between these two states is visualized as she transgresses from blue to red. Inside a shallow pool, a group of dancers performs in skin-like bodysuits, embodying ethereal water creatures. Their presence serves as a visual representation of her inner conflict and the ethereal nature of her utopia.

Supervisor Christina Mrosek, Principal Prof. Kerstin Laube, MA Stage design and scenic space, first Semester, TU Berlin