Seattle theatre showcases innovation through daring stage sets and bold collaborations
Enjoy a feature on scenic designer Parmida Ziaei and catch “Camelot” on stage. Plus, see how Seattle theatres are coming together in times of difficulty.
Scenic Designer Parmida Ziaei Creates Visual Poetry for Theatregoers
For many theatregoers, anticipation fills that short distance separating a brightly lit lobby and a dimmed house. That first glimpse of the set, free of actors, can set the mood and build anticipation for what’s in store over the next couple of hours. If you’ve attended local theatre recently, Parmida Ziaei, one of the Puget Sound region’s busiest scenic designers, has probably influenced that moment.
In the first six months of this year alone, Ziaei has created scenic designs for Seattle Public Theater’s Once More, Just for You, Seattle Shakespeare Company’s The Bed Trick, Village Theatre’s The Fantasticks!, ACT Theatre’s Stew and A Case for the Existence of God, and the Seda Iranian Theatre Ensemble/ArtsWest co-production of English.
“When I see Parmida’s work, I’m always stunned by a few things,” said Village Theatre Artistic Director Adam Immerwahr. “She manages to create visually arresting scenery—an ink-drop sky in Sense and Sensibility, bold colors in The Bed Trick—deeply integrated with the play, highlighting the play’s tone, spirit, mood, and even metaphors. She’s great at finding a way to create a set that instantly gives you a feeling for what kind of world you’re entering...”
On the Stage
Village Theatre's Camelot takes us deep into the legend of King Arthur, where love, honor, and power collide in dramatic fashion.
Camelot
Theatre | Village Theatre Issaquah | September 10–October 13 | Tickets
Discover the enchantment of Lerner and Loewe’s Camelot, one of the greatest musicals of all time. David Lee’s intimate new adaptation cuts to the heart of the story to focus on the legendary love triangle at its core.
Next Line
Now for something completely different: organizations working together! Seattle theatres are taking progressive steps in sharing resources and spaces, striving for mutual success through teamwork and collaboration. It’s an exciting new era, and we all get to be a part of it!
- It’s a whole new roommate situation at the historic Eagles Auditorium Building as ACT and Seattle Shakespeare announce a location merger.
- Seattle Children’s Theatre and Seattle Rep cross the (very short) distance at Seattle Center in a new plan to share box office and administrative services.
- Seattle Gay News dives into Intiman’s new cabaret performances in an interview with artistic director Jennifer Zeyl, who says, “If Seattle is going to retain artists, the city must find ways for them to financially survive without worrying about closures. We have to afford them space to experiment and create something amazing and new.” We can’t help but agree.
