Unveiling Absinthe: Vivian Lu's Award-Winning Stage Design

Exploring the Intersection of Physics, Scenography, and Technology

Stage design has always been a crucial element in theatre, setting the tone and enhancing the narrative of the play. Vivian Lu, a renowned stage designer, took this concept to a new level with her project, Absinthe. Inspired by the play's exploration of physics, matter, and psychology, Lu sought to create a stage design that would not only support the narrative but also engage the audience's senses in a unique way.

Lu's innovative approach involved the use of laser light sound visualizers, custom-made gadgets that allowed sound to be seen. This technology, combined with a meticulously designed circular stage, created a rich, multi-sensory theatrical experience. The stage, representing time, could be interpreted in various ways, including as the Milky Way or a Möbius band, adding to the depth and richness of the audience's experience.

The realization of this design required extensive research and experimentation. Lu and her team had to ensure that the visuals created by the laser light sound visualizer were in sync with the overall set design. They also had to understand complex subjects like black holes and relativity to create a stage that accurately represented these elements. The result was a stage that not only portrayed these elements but also facilitated audience immersion into the play's complex subjects.

The project faced several challenges, both creative and technical. The team had to find a way to visually portray complex subjects in a way that guided the audience into the topics. Technically, the curvature of the oval stage had to be exact, and the wheels had to be attached at specific points to ensure the stage's mobility. Despite these challenges, the team was able to create a stage that was both visually stunning and structurally sound.

Lu's Absinthe is a testament to the power of innovative stage design. By merging physics, scenography, and technology, she was able to create a unique theatrical experience that engaged the audience's senses in new ways. The project's success is evident in its accolades, including the Silver A' Performing Arts, Stage, Style and Scenery Design Award in 2020, a testament to its creative and professional excellence.