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Set Design in Three Acts: A Journey Through Theatre History & Scenography Exhibition

This exhibition highlights the evolution of stagecraft from historical practices to modern interpretations and artistic replicas.

Delve into the fascinating world of theatre set design with 'Set design in three acts.' This exhibition explores scenography through a unique lens, combining historical chamber theatre, contemporary artistic replicas, and a groundbreaking 1922 Stedelijk Museum exhibition reconstruction. Discover how stagecraft evolved and shaped visual storytelling, from elaborate backdrops to modern experimental approaches. Engage with a rich narrative of landscape design and theatrical innovation.

About Set design in three acts: museum, living room, studio at Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Set design in three acts: museum, living room, studio at Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam

Exhibition summary

This exhibition explores the significant role of set design in theatre history through three distinct perspectives: a historical chamber theatre, a replica by contemporary artists, and a reconstruction of a groundbreaking 1922 Stedelijk Museum exhibition on scenography. It delves into both historical practices and modern interpretations of stagecraft and landscape design.

Curatorial context

The exhibition 'Set design in three acts: museum, living room, studio' delves into the evolution and impact of stage design in theatre. It is structured into three thematic sections, each offering a unique perspective on scenography. The first act focuses on the 18th-century chamber theatre of Baron van Slingelandt, a miniature stage used to demonstrate theatrical techniques, which features eight 18th-century and six 19th-century backdrops. This historical piece inspired contemporary artists Arne Hendriks and Josef Zappe to create a replica, exploring the functionality of the miniature stage and drawing parallels to how humans shape their natural environment, with Hendriks regularly engaging visitors in conversation within the exhibition space. The second act revisits the late 19th century's shift towards realism and modernism, highlighting a major international exhibition on scenography organized by the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam in 1922. This event showcased revolutionary ideas in set and costume design by approximately one hundred artists, with key roles played by architect H. Th. Wijdeveld and designer Frits Lensvelt. This section reconstructs that historic exhibition, displaying original designs and borrowed Asian masks, enhanced by a virtual 3D tour that allows visitors to experience the 1922 event. The third 'act' presents a virtual reconstruction of the 1922 Stedelijk Museum exhibition, developed with the University of Amsterdam’s 4D Research Lab. This digital experience is complemented by a selection of objects from the original exhibition, including masks. The exhibition emphasizes that while historical set design was realistic, the early 20th century marked a new era of experimentation in modern scenography, a revolution powerfully presented in 1922.

Admission and ticket notes

Information regarding specific event times, dates, and workshops can be found on the calendar. Visitors are invited to operate the artists' replica and explore its mechanics on days when the artist is present.

Set design in three acts: museum, living room, studio key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Set design in three acts: museum, living room, studio at Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam

Venue
Allard Pierson Museum
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
From Jan 1, 2023
Artist line / attribution
Contemporary artists Arne Hendriks and Josef Zappe created a replica inspired by historical set design. The 1922 Stedelijk Museum exhibition featured contributions from artists such as Hendrik Berlage, Henry van de Velde, and Serge Diaghilev, with H. Th. Wijdeveld and Frits Lensvelt playing key roles in its realization.
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