Dangerous Liaisons
Harbiye Muhsin Ertu?rul Sahnesi Theatre, Istanbul 2010

Writer: Pierre Choderlos de Laclos 
Director: Aleksandar Popovski

 

The recurrent theme of illusion resurfaced again in the scenography we designed for "Dangerous Liaisons", a famous dramatic exercise in rococo era frivolousness. While the drama was initially written for the theatre, with the two film adaptations in themselves substantially theatrical, this particular design is an almost kinematical affair; an effect which was achieved by using footage from "Last year in Marienbad" and fluid montage delivered through stage kinetics and scene merging.

For the set design five rotating reflective panels were arranged in two rows into the depth of the stage. The triangular floorplan was framed by two projection screens, placed behind the panels so as to be only partially visible. The rotating mirrors served to divide the space mechanically, but also dissolve it through a play of reflections depicting kaleidoscopic imagery of a baroque palace. The result was an elusive spectacle of shifting surfaces, movement and light.

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