[Art direction for the play
« Creditors » from Strindberg]
Set disegn · Costume design · Artistic direction
During the production of August Strindberg's "Creditors" (1888), staged by Universidad de los Andes' theater company, I was in charge of the play's scenography and costume design. Strindberg's work explores the complicated marriage between a writer and a young artist, whose relationship is affected by the sudden visit of her vengeful ex-husband. Through these characters, the complexity of human bonds is represented, as emotions can easily go from affection and vulnerability, to passion and hatred.
As for the three characters, through their costumes, I wanted to represent the key facets of their personalities. First there was Adolfo, a young artist with a feeble health, in the midst of his creative crisis, and dependent on his wife's love. The light fabrics I chose for him, such as linen, in combination with their warm tones and the carefree air of his outfit, show his creative side, but also that specific vulnerability which defines him. Then, there is Gustavo the ex-husband; a calculating and vengeful man who, through the formality of his wardrobe, shows himself as a figure of authority and power. In his garments, gray and blue colors dominate to depict the frivolity of his character. Finally, we have Tekla, a mature, seductive, and volatile woman. With her breathable costumes that allowed her skin to be exposed, I showed the most daring and intrepid aspects of her demeanor.
Regarding the stage design, the characters are in the couple's recreational house during a suffocating summer day. The space is divided between the living room and Adolfo's workshop. Elements which invoke the artistic work of these characters prevail, such as the young artist's paintings and sculptures or Tekla's books. For the creation of this aesthetic universe, however, I wanted to bring all these wardrobe and spatial elements to a more contemporary environment.
Directed by David Suárez and Malo Godier
Produced by the Universidad de los Andes' theatre company
Costume disegn by Nicolas Dudit
Set design Nicolas Dudit
Actors: Nicolás González, Gabriela Pedraza and Juan Pablo Cifuentes
Adolfo, the young artist
Gustavo, the ex-husband
Tekla, independent, mature, seductive and volatile
The space, the stage design: the artist's workshop in a recreational house
