Laurus

"Laurus" is a grand narrative about the Orthodox worldview in medieval times and the life of a man who spends his entire life atoning for sin and gradually transforms into a saint.

Multimedia solutions have expanded the palette of narrative tools: projections are used as a tool to outline non-existent architectural elements or landscapes, as a way to demonstrate maps and historical references, and also as an independent source of light.

Key elements of the concept of content and scenography include a four-tiered metal structure reminiscent of icon seals in an iconostasis and light projections that constantly change during the performance before the audience's eyes, serving as a grand multimedia decoration.

Another auxiliary storytelling tool is the lighting modes. During the three hours of the performance, the lighting solution for the stage space is constantly transformed: warm yellow light serves as a backdrop for the hero's solitary childhood, blood-red hues tell of danger and death, cold white light speaks of alienation or wanderings, sickly green indicates plague, while blue and sky-blue shades accompany the characters during moments of spiritual revelation. The celebration of love and heartfelt warmth is conveyed by deep warm light with orange tones, while happiness and joie de vivre burst forth in bright golden radiance.

The rotating metal structure consists of 24 cubic segments that open and close, similar to an advent calendar. Three of the four tiers are actively used by the actors: the third tier is the highest point of the soul's transformation (ascension). The middle tier symbolizes the transition from earthly life to heavenly existence. It also houses musicians throughout the performance: the narrative unfolds against a backdrop of folk music and songs performed by contemporary musicians. The lower tier symbolizes earthly existence and works not only as a space for projections but also as a membrane connecting different parts of the stage.

Such a set design allowed us a high degree of flexibility in storytelling, as the projections can shift the mood, setting, or even the narrative arc without physical set changes. It's a sophisticated approach that merges technology with traditional set design, offering audiences an immersive experience.

Director: Eduard Boyakov
Set Design: Alexander Tsvetnoy

Art Director: Daniil Kutuzov
Producer: Maksim Chepukhalin