Scenography in Canada

Scenography, the design for live performance, conceives of the creation of an environment rather than merely providing decor or background. Scenography in Canada: Selected Designers, is a new departure in the critical discussion of theatre in Canada, in which Natalie Rewa examines the work of seven of the country's important theatre designers: Susan Benson, Astrid Janson, Mary Kerr, Michael Levine, Ken MacDonald, Jim Plaxton, and Teresa Przybylski. These artists have been responsible for exciting initiatives in design during one of the most dynamic periods in the history of Canadian theatre, from the early 1970s to the late 1990s, when new companies were founded and new theatre facilities were created. Juxtaposing commentary by the artist and her own analysis, Rewa discusses the interactions of light, sets, and costume, and demonstrates how a multifaceted visual text that includes human performance is created in the works of each artist. The volume includes a collection of sketches, photos of work in progress, and completed designs, many of which have not been previously published.