Workshop: Art & Technology in Contemporary Scenic Design
To the veteran theatrical scenic designer, Melissa Teoh, the contemporary stage design and production is so much more than just crafting and installing but to evoke emotions and create conversations through the artful interpretations of the plays or musicals presented.
Following the series of iNYALA’s workshop for our finalists and the public, we’re honoured to invite the lively and constantly on-the-go Melissa to share her decades of experience in managing and designing a myriad of both local and international stages.
Held at FabU Cafe in Sunway on last Saturday (12 October 2019), Melissa showcased and recounted on most of her scenic designs in the past decade while advising on what to focus when it comes to creating stages. This includes studies and usage of space, creating the world of the play, connecting performers with the audience, conveying an immersive experience, fusing art and technology and of course, budgeting!
Besides working closely with a stage director, she added that a stage designer needs to work all-encompassing with costume and lighting designers as well. This is to ensure that the stage will be able to work and presented well together seamlessly for the project.
Melissa also pressed that while the digital media has advanced impressively throughout the years, it is important for the designers to choose what works best on the different stage projects. For example, you wouldn’t solely use projection mapping on a historical period play.
In some cases, she prefers conventional stage designs that bring you back in time. But for others, she experimented with a merge of projection with conventional design. This was shown in examples with Asia Musical Productions’ ‘Princess Wen Cheng – The Musical’ and Metropolitan Productions’ ‘The LKY Musical’.
Melissa also shared her most recent experience in creating the setting for the renowned playwright, Alfian Sa’at’s latest play, ‘Merdeka’ at Singapore’s first ‘thrust’ stage at The Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre. A ‘thrust’ stage is one that extends into the auditorium with the audience seated on three sides. What a challenge, indeed!
Lastly, she reiterates the importance of creating a conversation from each project by suggesting a post-show talk so that the creators can have a direct conversation with the audience. It is also important for designers to accept constructive criticisms in order to further improve their crafts.