Scenographer as placemaker: co-creating communities through The Living Stage NYC

Ecoscenography seeks to design temporary event spaces and places, with a focus on positive contribution to social and ecological function and evolution. This paper explores the potential of ecoscenography to contribute to creative placemaking, using a practice-led case study (The Living Stage NYC) that examines how community-engaged performance spaces can foster dialogue and build social-ecological capital. The Living Stage is a global initiative which combines stage design, horticulture and community engagement to create recyclable, biodegradable, biodiverse and edible performance spaces. Part theatre, part garden and part growing demonstration, the New York project took place at Meltzer Park on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in collaboration with a vibrant cohort of linguistically and ethnically diverse seniors, fifth graders and neighbouring residents. Over the course of six weeks, the asphalt lined park was transformed into a space of lush greenery, along with vibrant art installations and eclectic performances that celebrated the community’s identity and potential. Drawing upon literature from placemaking, expanded scenography and ecoscenography, this paper explores the opportunities and challenges of creative placemaking, as well as the changing role of the scenographer in seeking out possibilities for political, social, cultural and ecological revitalisation beyond the confines of the theatre building.