Ep 3. Es Devlin: Stage Design

Abstract: The Art of Design is a Netflix original series that explores the work and creative process of some of the world's most innovative designers across various industries. Season one, episode three, titled "Es Devlin: Stage Design," focuses on the career of British stage designer Es Devlin.

Devlin has spent her career designing stages for some of the world's most popular musicians and performers, including Kanye West, Beyoncé, and Adele. She has also worked on theatrical productions such as "Hamlet," "The Nether," and "The Lehman Trilogy." In this episode, we get an inside look at Devlin's creative process and the work that goes into designing a stage for a live performance.

The episode begins with Devlin discussing how she first became interested in stage design and how she incorporates her background in architecture into her work. She also speaks about the importance of storytelling in her designs and how she uses the stage to help convey the message of the performance. Devlin then takes us behind the scenes of some of her most well-known stage designs, including Kanye West's Yeezus tour and Beyoncé's Formation tour. We see how she works with the performers to create a cohesive vision for the performance and how she uses technology to bring her ideas to life.

Throughout the episode, Devlin emphasizes the collaborative nature of stage design. She speaks about working closely with lighting designers, costume designers, and performers to create a fully immersive experience for the audience. We see how Devlin interacts with her team on various projects, including a production of "Carmen," to bring her designs to life.

One of the most interesting parts of the episode is when Devlin discusses her use of technology in stage design. She shows us how she uses virtual reality to design the stage and how she works with programmers to create interactive elements for the performances. She also talks about the challenges of working with technology and how it can sometimes fail during a live performance.

The episode ends with Devlin discussing her plans for the future and how she hopes to continue pushing the boundaries of stage design. She emphasizes the importance of continually learning and growing as a designer and how she hopes to inspire the next generation of stage designers.

Overall, "Es Devlin: Stage Design" is an informative and engaging episode that provides a fascinating look into the world of stage design. Devlin's passion for her work is evident throughout, and her creative process is both inspiring and educational. Whether you are interested in stage design or not, this episode is sure to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the work that goes into designing a live performance.