Published to accompany the Collaborators exhibition, the catalogue of Design for Performance is a celebration of the richness and diversity of work made between 2003 - 2007 by designers born or based in the UK. Opera, dance, drama, performance/installations and the design of theatre space are included here and accompanied by five essays written by, or from interviews with, notable British designers in which they reflect on their own collaborative process. Collaborators asks: how do designers communicate their ideas to audiences - and to the artists, performers, technicians they work with? How do these ideas translate into three-dimensional spaces or structures, into costumes, light and sound? Designs range from inventive fringe performances to international ballet and opera, from West End musicals to exquisite small scale touring productions in schools and distinctive site-specific installations.Collaborators also includes five essays on designers reflecting on their process, on key projects and collaborations: Paul Brown, international opera and theatre designer; Simon Banham (Quarantine company); Fred Meller (Cardboard Citizens); Dody Nash (The Berio Room); and Penny Saunders (Forkbeard Fantasy).
Collaborators is accessible to general and specialised readers. It is an invaluable resource for students, teachers and anyone interested in contemporary performance.