Exhibition
Emerging Designers
United States of America
Chika Shimizu
The Caucasian Chalk Circle
Selected Category: Set Design
Category: Set Design
Design Statement
The play is set within the realm of modern warfare. In our research there was one devastating picture that really spoke to us—it depicted a desolate landscape where a cracked wall firmly stood. However against the cold monochromatic background, the color of clothing and belongings of people powerfully stood out, emitting a painful yet beautiful portrayal of humanity.
Being led by such imageries, the charcoal wall, the gesture of the cracks, and the contrast of color became the foundation of designing The Caucasian Chalk Circle. The story opened with a huge explosion in the coupe and the wall cracked open against the bloody sky. After a moment of deep silence, the wall broke into pieces and drew Grusha into her long journey.
While the set portrays the bleakness of the surrounding, the vivid lighting, costumes, and moveable peasant huts added a sense of playfulness to the storyline.
Being led by such imageries, the charcoal wall, the gesture of the cracks, and the contrast of color became the foundation of designing The Caucasian Chalk Circle. The story opened with a huge explosion in the coupe and the wall cracked open against the bloody sky. After a moment of deep silence, the wall broke into pieces and drew Grusha into her long journey.
While the set portrays the bleakness of the surrounding, the vivid lighting, costumes, and moveable peasant huts added a sense of playfulness to the storyline.
Gallery
<Photo Credit> Chika Shimizu
<Photo Credit> Chika Shimizu
<Photo Credit> Chika Shimizu
<Photo Credit> Chika Shimizu
<Photo Credit> Carol Rosegg
<Photo Credit> Chika Shimizu
Chika Shimizu
Chika Shimizu is a scenic and costume designer, living passionately for theatre, opera, dance, and music. Born in Japan and raised in her family of embroidery factory, a love for stories inspired her in becoming a scenic designer. Chika is a graduate of California State University, Fullerton (B.A. in Theatre Arts, Design and Technical Production) and Yale School of Drama (M.F.A in Design).
Her scenic design credits include Buyer and Cellar (dir. Sarna Lapine, Bucks County Playhouse), The Caucasian Chalk Circle (dir. Liz Diamond, Yale Rep, CT Critics Circle Award Nom.), Assistance (Joust Theater Company); Twelfth Night; Or, What You Will, The Visit (Yale School of Drama), and Don't Be Too Surprised, MuZeum (Yale Cabaret); Ordinary Days (Imagined Life Theatre); Ching Chong Chinaman (Artists At Play); Romeo and Juliet, Tartuffe, and a number of dance theatre pieces (Cal State Fullerton).
Chika is a recipient of Donald and Zorca Oenslager Fellowship Award in Design (Yale), Donald R. Henry Award, and Todd Muffatti Scholarship (CSUF). http://www.chikashimizu.com
Her scenic design credits include Buyer and Cellar (dir. Sarna Lapine, Bucks County Playhouse), The Caucasian Chalk Circle (dir. Liz Diamond, Yale Rep, CT Critics Circle Award Nom.), Assistance (Joust Theater Company); Twelfth Night; Or, What You Will, The Visit (Yale School of Drama), and Don't Be Too Surprised, MuZeum (Yale Cabaret); Ordinary Days (Imagined Life Theatre); Ching Chong Chinaman (Artists At Play); Romeo and Juliet, Tartuffe, and a number of dance theatre pieces (Cal State Fullerton).
Chika is a recipient of Donald and Zorca Oenslager Fellowship Award in Design (Yale), Donald R. Henry Award, and Todd Muffatti Scholarship (CSUF). http://www.chikashimizu.com
Email Address: cshimizu.design@gmail.com
Theatre Company Yale Repertory Teatre
The Premiere Date of Production 2015-03-20
The Premiere Space of Production University Theatre
Author Bertolt Brecht
Director/ Choreographer Liz Diamond (Dir.) / Randy Duncan (Chor.)
Set Designer Chika Shimizu
Lighting Designer Stephen Strawbridge
Costume Designer Soule Golden
Sound Designer Matt Tierney
